It is Time to Tax Churches

Considering the radical, anti-Christ like, evangelical, politicized and agenda oriented, fundamentalists that organized religion has evolved into, it is time that they lose their "charity" status. They have become selfish entities like corporations, and like every other business, they should be required to pay their fair share of taxes. Churches, synagogues, and meeting houses have been given a free ride for far too long. They have essentially become corporations.

Like McDonalds and Burger King, they put forth HUGE efforts to brainwash the public into buying their "product." And like McDonalds and BK, organized religions spend millions of dollars co-opting governments at all levels to push their selfish agendas and receive favoritism in all forms including lax oversight, loose regulation, favorable laws, and tax breaks. And also like Mickey Ds and BK, organized religion uses these tactics to benefit those at the top, often to the detriment of the health and welfare of the general public.

Considering the fact that communities all around the state face dramatic budget cuts and painful decisions, and considering the fact that Harrisonburg and Rockingham County have about 100 Churches, Synagogues and Meeting Houses, alone, I think that it time that these mini-corporations step up to the plate and truly serve their community. They should be required to help pay for the social services that they receive, and should no longer be allowed to take advantage of taxpayers.