Focus on the Religio-crazies
By Greg in cheeseland
In September 2007, John McCain declared that “The Constitution established the United States of America as a Christian nation.” That complete bullshit, however, was not enough for him to gain the support of prominent groups on the religious far-right.
Groups such as James Dobson’s Focus on the Family, the Family Research Council, Phyllis Schlafly’s Eagle Forum, and the Council for National Policy, the normally secretive network of right-wing preachers, political operatives, and profiteers who exploit religio-crazies all have been a major force in the Republican Party ever since they backed Ronald Reagan for president. And they and their crusading ground troops were not yet solidly behind McCain.
Enter Sarah Palin: Caribou Barbie described the building of a $30 billion natural gas pipeline in Alaska as “God’s will,” which she would work to carry out as governor. She supports the presence of US troops in Iraq as a “task that is from God.” Her religious convictions and her willingness to use the power of government to force them on others, has won the McCain campaign strong backing from far-right groups. Anyone who is a regular reader here probably realizes that McCain or the RNC picked this incompetant fool in order to get the support of the religious right.
A recent publication by Dobson’s Focus on the Family Action that was sent out to his Christian soldiers is not only a great example of religious insanity, but is also a clear show of support for the McCain campaign that has come about as the result of choosing Palin as his running mate. You can read it here: http://focusfamaction.edgeboss.net/downl… . Fear is the clear motivator in the letter, especially fear that evangelical Christians might vote for Barack Obama, because it suggests that “younger evangelicals” became the “swing vote” that elected Obama and the results were catastrophic.
That is the background, but this is the question I would like pose to readers here: Why is a group like Focus on the Family, which is clearly a religious organization with tax exempt status, allowed to meddle in politics and keep their tax exempt status? Isn’t that a clear violation of the separation of church and state in our constitution?
I noticed that Dobson’s fear-mongering, religious drivel is published by Focus on the Family Action, so I thought there may have been some loophole in IRS tax code where the “action” group may not be tax exempt, but you can see from this tax filing in 2005 that Focus on the Family Action is also tax exempt: http://204.203.220.33/EINS/200960855/200…
So, this is my opinion: Religious organizations that choose to meddle in politics should lose their tax exempt status. And, I’m not talking about a preacher expressing his views from a pulpit, that’s freedom of speech. I’m talking about propaganda publications, mass mailings, political ads and the hate and fear that these groups spew out to the masses that have been known to influence elections.
Any opinions on this? Any accountants or tax attorneys out there that can explain how these groups can get away with this? I would like to hear from you.
“religio-crazies” Should Lose Tax Exempt Status, Do You Agree?
03
Oct
homegirl
October 3, 2009 at 9:42 pm
As a liberal Christian, it is very refreshing to see this post! Churches who openly endorse candidates should lose their tax exempt status. I believe that a complaint needs to be filed with the IRS, then there is an investigation, and then a resolution. Most churches who violate this seem to be right wing, as the liberal churches advocate the seperation of church and state (I am an ordained Baptist minister, and my church certainly does). For the hateful response above against Jeremiah Wright’s church, it is ok to mention and criticize the current government in the church. I believe that is a good thing for churches–asking questions and encouraging the congregation to think intelligently on current events. It is specifically endorsing a candidate for office that is illegal.
stuff.mc
October 3, 2009 at 10:01 pm
Religion and State should be separate. Like everyone always told me it was.
Religion should lose it’s “SUPER” status with the government. Treat it like any other standard organization. And tax it as such.
Tenacity
October 3, 2009 at 10:09 pm
I kind of wonder if groups like Focus on the Family have been getting away with what they do because we have had a Republican Justice Department for the last seven years.
daniel m
October 3, 2009 at 10:27 pm
This so called right wing Christians believe in murder for war profits, and stealing our tax dollars and they lie to us.
Good view on the subjects.
Ethel M
October 3, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Churches should pay taxes like every other business.
another_
October 3, 2009 at 11:32 pm
Religion should of never had a tax exempt status in the first place.
It is a business.
clocknek
October 3, 2009 at 11:34 pm
If find your link between being religiist and being crazy very disturbing. I think you need some help with that.
jdw
October 4, 2009 at 12:12 am
AMEN! (pun intended) I agree!
atsirk73
October 4, 2009 at 1:10 am
I agree, but then who would determine who was “crazy”?
TLE_MGR
October 4, 2009 at 1:21 am
You are Lost dude.
I Love the USA. I’m not leaving alive….
reuster
October 4, 2009 at 2:20 am
I don’t think religious organizations should be tax exempt at all. There are two reasons for that: one, it leads to abuses such as the ones you’ve mentioned, in which religion is used to gain tax exemption for politics; and two and more important, it discourages legitimate churches from supporting political candidates because they’re afraid of losing their tax exempt status, which is in my opinion a de facto abrogation of freedom of speech. It’s precisely because of issues like these that we have separation of church and state.
Joshua H
October 4, 2009 at 3:16 am
My opinion on this is that yes, I believe the Black Theology “church” that Obama attended should have it’s tax exempt status revoked, since its (then) pastor made political remarks specifically naming Clinton during the Democratic primaries. Politics from the pulpit is expressly forbidden as a condition for tax exempt status. And, no, it isn’t “freedom of speech”; it’s a rule churches must adhere to.
That church ignored that rule.
Edit: By the way, to the poster above, Wright’s church also expressly named and supported politically, from the church pulpit, Barack Obama.
Like you said, supporting a candidate from the pulpit.
claudiac
October 4, 2009 at 3:34 am
Sorry your article is too long for me to read.
If a church or organization decides to get political, it should lose tax exempt status. The moment a reverend steps up inside the church and starts telling the church-goers who to vote for, they should lose their tax exempt status as per the law.