Pastors Break Law and Tell Church Patrons Who to Vote For
 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...092802365.html

Story has gone under the radar but is still worth talking about. I don't really care what they say or do, but they should not be a tax free entity.

I'm certain the Bush administration will jump all over this. :1orglaugh:1orglaugh

FYI - This story totally hasn't gone under the radar. I'm a news junkie, and it's been on every single news website there is. From NY Times to the LA times to Washington Post, and everywhere inbetween.

Anyway, I totally hope the IRS yanks away their tax exempt status. Usually when you fuck with the IRS they fuck back HARD. I hope this isn't any different. If you want to get into politics it's very simple.... pay your taxes, and you can. Otherwise keep your fucking mouth shut.

I agree. Take away their tax exempt status asap!

pastors suck

The biggest crime in the country is that Churches dont pay taxes. that is why so many shady people are in the religion biz.

I guess Rev. Wright has to pay taxes along with flueger and all the rest of them pastors for obama

If the church staff is mostly volunteer, they don't keep a huge "building fund" and the vast majority of the donation basket goes to a worthy cause to help the less fortunate, then they shouldn't be taxed.

But I do think there needs to be oversight to make sure this is happening.

The all should. Church is as much a business as what we do.

Obama '08

It has not gone under the radar at all. They are challenging the law and I suspect that they will ultimately win their challenge in a court of law. This law was placed upon them in 1954, I think, and it should not have been since, there are many, many tax exempt entities that do not have the same restriction and in fact may be the only entity with the restriction.

such bullshit.. they want the right to preach to their flocks? pay taxes.

solve the problem right away!

I'm fairly certain that all tax-exempt charities have the same rules. While freedom of speech is a right, tax exemption isn't. They are free to endorse whoever they please, but they should pay taxes like the rest of us.

No, just because they are tax exempt they certainly do not all have the same rules and that is the basis of their challenge to the law and it is why I suspect that they will win when it reaches the courts.

BTW, what charitable business do you run?

Catholic priest have being do that for years in UK

What differences do they have? Non-profits can't engage in political campaigning. It applies to all 501(c) non-profits. You keep saying they have different rules, please list them.

And as I said, tax exempt status isn't a right, it's a privilege. It will be funny to see these people who love conservative judges have to rely on liberal judges to win this case. Hypocrisy at its finest.

I would say our economy was a GOOD FUCKING CAUSE! If every church just gave 10% of the income the economy would be fixed. Church is a HUGE biz and MANY take advantage of it and show off about it right on tv laughing at the sheep. I say again, our economy is a good cause so lets see how charitable them churches can be in our time of need.