Buying off the church. As much as it pisses me off, I have to laugh when I see these guys getting into bed with the government. Perhaps there needs to be some, oh, I don't know, TAXATION on churches if they are going to be so involved in political affairs? Hmmm?
After weeks of prodding by Republican lawmakers and the American Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said yesterday that it will use taxpayer money to reimburse churches and other religious organizations that have opened their doors to provide shelter, food and supplies to survivors of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
FEMA officials said it would mark the first time that the government has made large-scale payments to religious groups for helping to cope with a domestic natural disaster.
"I believe it's appropriate for the federal government to assist the faith community because of the scale and scope of the effort and how long it's lasting," said Joe Becker, senior vice president for preparedness and response with the Red Cross.
Civil liberties groups called the decision a violation of the traditional boundary between church and state, accusing FEMA of trying to restore its battered reputation by playing to religious conservatives.
"What really frosts me about all this is, here is an administration that didn't do its job and now is trying to dig itself out by making right-wing groups happy," said the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
Well, I guess people don't need to donate to their churches anymore if they are going to receive taxpayer bucks. Funny how this group tried to ween people off of "big government" by pushing them onto their local (religious) charities and community donations, but then turns around and gives those same churches some "big government" money. Watch as the churches become just another arm of "big government". Ha ha, suckers. Time for some regulations.
And I'm done with the Red Cross. I've read way too many stories of how the mismanage money and pay their own people lavish salaries. I think I'd rather give to an independent local group than pay for somebody's mansion.