I Need a Nap...

I will repeat...I should have stayed awake in history class.

I am constantly bothered by the phrase "separation of church and state". The reason this bothers me is because I am seeing a melding of the two lately. However, I didn't truly understand the phrase...so I Googled it. I am glad I did. I first set out to prove myself right (I have a reputation to uphold). I proved some of my points but I also had to concede some.

I originally believed the statement "separation of church and state" meant that both organizations were to stay out if each others business. What I did not realize is that the phrase was developed to keep the State out of the church's business. The following article: http://www.allabouthistory.org/separation-of-church-and-state.htm explains that in an effort to avoid state denominational religion, the state promised to allow Americans their choice of religion and stay out of the church's business. However, Christian Theism was the assumed state doctrinal religion. Interesting stuff...there goes my argument for abolishing the ten commandments from government buildings.

So, I have admitted my error. Now, on to the rant. Although religion is not legally forbidden from entering into politics, the IRS only allows tax exempt status to religious organizations as long as they do not govern political activity (http://blog.au.org/2008/04/28/tax-facts-irs-reminds-churches-about-rules-governing-political-activity/). My question is, how much more governing activity does the IRS need before they withdraw the exemption status.

Here is one example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5SEsKPLZ1U it is on video for Pete sake not much investigative need here. Do not become clouded by the link of the preacher to the new democratic presidential candidate... who cares about that. Just focus on the fact that a preacher (who is usually looked up to by parishioners) is attempting to sway (brainwash)political opinion on his pulpit. Oh wait....here is another one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAYe7MT5BxM good grief...he even mentioned the opposing candidates name! Those are just from this campaign, the same thing was occurring during the current shrub's campaign as well.

So, where is the line? How much more do they have to say before their tax exemptions on property and income are revoked? Folks, we are talking millions (if not billions) of dollars of taxes that we peons make up for. If you or I violated the tax code you can bet the IRS would be on our doorstep. Oh but don't let me disparage the IRS...they are after all sending letters (see above article).

Maybe the napping during history was a good thing...education gives me an ulcer.