Bernice: Only sales taxes I suppose. I know a lot of people that work "under the table" and pay nothing. There are many ways to hide one's income. Probably many people who say that the rich should pay more, pay nothing themselves. I know this is true in many situations. But even some of the rich say they should pay more. But when pressed (only Fox News presses them on this) they back down. Seems there are actual government agencies where you can both "donate" extra cash into the general fund or to help pay down the debt. The fat cats in Hollow-wood, when told of this, never take advantage of it.

Because they really don't want to pay it themselves. They want others to pay it and they want the government to confiscate this extra cash by law! Scoundrels!!!

Bernice: Maybe you'd like to start taxing charities as well. But.... in understanding how they work.. as I work for one... would that be fair?

Some churches that are big... mmmmmm ... The Greek Orthodox owns so much of Greece...

(V):

> Some churches that are big... mmmmmm ...

The church should be taxed. No question. Quite a few churches operate like businesses and their church leaders make a lot of money. If they are honest they will put it back into their church. If they are dishonest they will buy big homes, expensive cars, and trophy mistresses. By not taxing the church, the state is subsidizing their work. If they work for the benefit of the poor, there is a logic to the tax exemption. If they work for the benefit of a few church leaders, then there is no excuse.

Übergeek 바둑이: The church should NOT be taxed. What you describe may be true for some churches, but it's a gross overgeneralization. Most churches are small and operate on a very tight budget. There are thousands of small communities with small churches scatter here and there. There are no mega churches within 50 to 100 miles of me.

People who give to the church are giving of money that has already been taxed.
And if people like you (atheists) continue to cry out for the seperation of church and state, then you ought to mean it in every way. Or do you only want their money?

Better is to have certain restrictions on churches (and they have them here) that in order to remain tax free, they have to meet certain criteria. Otherwise you lose it.

Übergeek 바둑이: The 'Christian' TV networks here are always asking for money.. many claim that God & Jesus will through a small donation (or large) help you find financial security.

... I object to those abusing charitable status.

(V): Many of those are charlatans.