Youth in Government

Twenty five years ago I was fortunate to engage in the Youth Legislature of the State of Texas  -- the coup I plotted was unsuccessful.  Viona was able to participate in the New Jersey Youth Legislature this spring.  We talked about potential bills that she could propose and she finally stuck on a bill to start taxing religious organizations, which to me seems highly appropriate given the transformation American culture has undergone in the last 20 or 30 years.  People seek spiritual and social refuge in a number of places -- the gym, for instance -- and it's taxed.  Of course it is for profit, not merely prophet, ahhhhh.  But when you see evangelists like Benny Hinn living in multi-million dollar homes and driving $100,000 cars bought and paid for through a so-called church, then it is time for them to chip into the community pot.  Viona's point was probably even better.  American society looks to government as the primary care giver in society rather than private social organizations, and the average tax payer makes a large contribution for that government service.  Since that is so it would be most worthwhile to fully fund the more capable outlet for public services more equitably.  Of course, charitable work done by religious organizations should find exemption along with upkeep and maintenance of facilities, but the days of living free of charge should be over ..... the bill got out of committee but did not pass in the assembly.  Thank God.