Of course I think that churches which aggressively intervene in politics should lose their tax-exempt status. But as Lincoln said, the best way to repeal a stupid policy is to strictly enforce it.
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[…] Petard Watch […]
Ned Raggett
Asked if the same would apply to politicians who support the death penalty or pre-emptive war, he said, “It’s a little more complicated in that case.”
Man, I love tools. This one is a little rusty and broken-down, though.
John Cole
I like Giuliani’s response, though:
Loosely translated, that means “FUCK YOU.”
wasabi gasp
No wafer for you!
cleek
sure. and the Dobsonites’ opinion of Rudy is Hell No.
Pb
I have a feeling that Lincoln probably said nothing of the sort, but some anonymous person at some point surely said that he did.
Zifnab
How does that apply to slavery? I’m confused.
That said, it’s comforting to see an entirely single issue Roman Catholic Archbishop.
What about the fact that he’s had more wives than a Mormon? Does that factor in Your Holiness?
The cross-dressing? Does that factor in?
What about the fact that he’s ok with cops shooting an unarmed suspect in the back about 40 times?
Any of these factor in? Any? No? Just the abortion thing?
You know, even death row inmates get a communion waffer. But outspoken politicians who discuss abortion…
It’s nice to know there’s a line.
Jake
No. It isn’t. Even this lasped Cath. knows that one.
However, Ruby’s response was dead on.
Incertus (Brian)
Is it any wonder I have little more than utter disdain for religious leaders who involve themselves in politics?
Xenos
Rudy:
Welcome to the Episcopal Church, buddy.
Incertus (Brian)
I should modify that a bit–religious leaders who use their beliefs as a political “you’re going to hell” magic wand with which they attempt to threaten others.
Andrew
I’m a bit depressed, what with the realization that us atheists will never be able to eliminate the tax exempt status of religion.
On the other hand, I have founded a legally recognized religion (in New York state) and I should explore looking at religious write-offs for various things like beer (the blood of, um, god or whoever) and steak (the body of cow).
The Other Steve
I’m pretty certain that was Teddy Roosevelt when he was Police Commissioner in New York City. He was referring to the blue laws, which were passed by the state banning sale of alcohol on weekends, but were not enforced in New York City.
RSA
Both Giuliani and Bishop Burke are obviously cafeteria Catholics, with Giuliani probably being at “best” a C & E Catholic. The reporter for that article should have gone for the jugular: Would the same apply to a politician who supported the use of artificial means of contraception? The Church is pretty clear on that one as well.
Brian
“Cafeteria Catholics” I love that. Heck, how could anyone follow every single rule in that compedium of stone age trivia, bloodthirsty genocide, medieval politcking, and generic feel good aphorisms without exploding from the contradictions?
Tempest
Burke has always been an asshole, so this isn’t really that surprising. He was an asshole as an Bishop (I should know, he called me a “bastard spawn of Satan” for being born out of wedlock, among other things…) and being promoted has done nothing but make him worse.
Burke using his authority within the Catholic community to blackmail and threaten politicians into following his demands… nothing new here.