[Vision2020] Taxes and the Intoleristas

[Dick Schmidt]

Visionaries,

I am thinking that we could have a much larger problem here. If we have a padre here who is preaching to his flock that they don't need to pay their taxes then I'm sure the IRS would probably be very interested. If fact whoever turns in tax cheaters shares in whatever taxes are collected. Now if someone had a list of members names and addresses of Christ's Church and sent it off to the IRS they may be able to add quite handsomely to their 401 (k).

Dick Schmidt 
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: DonaldH675 at aol.com 
  To: vision2020 at moscow.com 
  Sent: Saturday, October 09, 2004 2:31 PM
  Subject: [Vision2020] Taxes and the Intoleristas


  Visionaries:

  One of the funny things about honest citizens, and I include my Intolerista colleagues in that group, is that we do expect people who receive government services to help pay for the associated costs in so far as they are able.  I wouldn't characterize this expectation as "salivating" but, rather, as an awareness that there is no free lunch. To make our community a better place for all residents we share a moral and legal obligation to pay taxes, including property taxes.  I like knowing that by paying my fair share the police, fire, and sheriff departments protect us and our property.  I am glad that the roads and streets are plowed and maintained, that children in need are fed, and the poor can see a health care provider (at least in a few medical clinics in Moscow).  I like knowing that when people who live in town turn on their kitchen faucets clean water will come out.

  I am familiar with "World Magazine" and actually spoke with Mark Bergin last summer regarding the tax issue.  Mr. Bergin persisted in believing that there is "a desire for among many residents to see his [Doug Wilson's] church brought low"....an unsubstantiated sentiment apparently primed and stoked by Doug himself.  It is, after all, much nicer for Doug to paint himself (and his defenders) as Christian martyrs rather than Calvinistic deadbeats.  And while that "courageous role" might play well to those folks who rely on Doug to describe local issues, it is not accurate reporting. 

  Saundra and I have repeatedly, both in public and privately, maintained that we are not arguing over Christ Church members understanding of dogma or theological constructions.  We are interested and will remain interested and committed to hold Doug Wilson, and the Elders (in so far as they have the capability to act as individuals) accountable in observing applicable state and federal laws.  The same laws that the rest of us, including Intoleristas, obey.

  According to Dale's posting: "Rev. Wilson says he is battling for a principle: "if you start paying tax, you acknowledge state sovereignty, " he said.  "You're saying they have authority over your church."  Well, no.  Actually, in my opinion it means that you follow the directions Jesus gave:

  "Teacher, we know that you are true, and teach the way of God truthfully, and care for no man; for you do not regard the position of men.  Tell us, then, what you think.  Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"  But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why put me to the test, you hypocrites?  Show me the money for the tax.  And they brought him a coin.  And Jesus said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?  They said, "Caesar's."  Then he said to them. "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."  Matthew 22: 16 -21.

  I understand this text to mean, at least in part, don't try to hide personal profit under the cloak of religious entitlement to avoid taxation, it brings disgrace to the church and the justly earned title of hypocrite to the those using the tactic.  

  It does make me wonder what other taxes Doug Wilson et al. might be avoiding. It is to be hoped that wiser minds than my own are mulling over that very issue.  

  Rose Huskey

  "One cannot level one's moral lance at every evil in the universe. There are just too many of them. But you can do something, and the difference between doing something and doing nothing is everything." Daniel Berrigan




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