re: #84 Rightwingconspirator

Well this is a big topic, I also admit very mixed feelings. I’m stuck between another first amendment issue-free speech and the tax status. I get uncomfortable both ways-Mega churches endorsing candidates, and a pastor having his right to speak freely at the pulpit impaired.

Again, I think you’re conflating two different things. The tax status of churches is based on them being a charitable organization, a non-profit, which is not allowed to endorse candidates. The same rule applies to any charitable organization. Churches aren’t being singled out.

I do not think school vouchers should be a problem to give parents more power to get their kids better education. But the separation issue is used very often to thwart voucher efforts.

I think vouchers are just a terrible idea on their own, without the need to resort to the separation of church and state. However, it also seems obvious to me that if the government gives parents money to send their kid to a madrassa, they’re paying for that kid to get indoctrinated into a religion. That seems a rather clear violation to me.