Interesting reading - The "All Opinions are Welcome, but Sorry no Instigators" Board

Kim Jenkins · Status: Offline

Interesting reading

Kim Jenkins · Status: Offline

posted

document.write(timestamp(new Date(2004,1,3,10,17,0), dfrm, tfrm, 0, 0, 0, 0));

February 03, 2004 10:17February 03, 2004 10:17

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,110240,00.html

On this same subject, last summer I attended the Kentucky Firefighters Association conference, which was hosted by a department in Jefferson County (Louisville). Each year, a highlight of the conference is a memorial service in remembrance of all the firefighters who passed away during the year. Last year the memorial service was held in a Christian Church that was, without a doubt, the biggest church I had ever seen. We held the memorial service, not in the main sanctuary, but in a "small assembly hall" that held 1100 people! I was told that this church has something like 20,000 registered families in its parish! As you drove up, you passed the entrance to Parking Lot A, Parking Lot B, and so on. (I think I parked in "Scooby-Doo 5" or something!)

Anyway, in talking to some of the locals, I learned that the local police have a nickname for the place...."Six Flags Over Jesus"!

Kim Jenkins · Status: Offline

Lakewood's attendance has grown so massive that the church recently bought the Compaq Center, a former sports arena, which is being remodeled to hold an even larger congregation.

"This will be the first church in the country to see 35,000 people," Vaughan said.

The seriousness

Rational · Status: Offline

Kim,

I read the thread. My summary:

Megachurches: It's all about the Megabucks! There is nothing in the bible that says that you can not have a personal relationship with G-d sans a church or a megachurch (or synagogue or mosque).

I just do not understand why people who do not subscribe to such an organization should be sponsering these institutions. It is tantamount to state sponsered religion. All churches, synagogues and mosques should pay taxes, else it discriminates against those people in society who do not attend such institutions.

Does anyone want to profer a good reason as to why those people who are not affiliated with a religious organization should pay for your HOW's Impact on a community infrastructure? Please advise.

-- Edited by Rational at 12:15, 2004-11-01

rockres23yrs · Status: Offline

Sorry Rational but my opinion is that we don't turn this forum into a discussion on religion. The question that you pose is a good one for discussion in another venue but, as we've seen in the past, it can be conterproductive and detract from the issues of environment, impact, infrastructure, etc. re the CC application. Some newpaper that wants to sensationalize things may just label the residents of RT as anti-religion. Been there. Done that.

Rational · Status: Offline

So, Rockres23, simply do not reply to my query. It remains, however, my question to the room and is, in part, at the heart of this issue. Ireland puts up his Megachurch and all of us RT taxpayers have to pay for its IMPACT on our infrastructure, even if we are aethists or worship G-d in our own homes. Now, this question is something begging to be taken to the US Supreme Court if ever there was. There is nothing in our Constitution guaranteeing tax free status for religious institutions, folks. And, it is at the core of the problem that we are dealing with here. Does anyone else want to profer a good reason why churches should be supported by us taxpayers through tax exempt (501C3) status? If we are going to take something to the supreme court, take that as the issue. We would not be looking at a Megachurch if Ireland had to pay his way, folks. He simply would not be able to afford to do it!

It comes down to a Constitutional question of state sponsered religion and the seperation of Church and State.

-- Edited by Rational at 17:39, 2004-11-01

-- Edited by Rational at 17:43, 2004-11-01

GadFly · Status: Offline

Ireland puts up his Megachurch and all of us RT taxpayers have to pay for its IMPACT on our infrastructure

'Daniel',

We thought you live with your uncle Craig (you know - that Mayer, or Maier, or Graig guy that you live with, but can't seem to remember his name) and are therefore, NOT an RT taxpayer!!!!

Rational · Status: Offline

quote:
Originally posted by: GadFly
"Ireland puts up his Megachurch and all of us RT taxpayers have to pay for its IMPACT on our infrastructure 'Daniel', We thought you live with your uncle Craig (you know - that Mayer, or Maier, or Graig guy that you live with, but can't seem to remember his name) and are therefore, NOT an RT taxpayer!!!!"

I pay rent here buddy, and as a consequence I pay RT property taxes! My rent is influenced by Maiers tax bill. Duh -

GadFly · Status: Offline

Amazing how that Greg or Craig or Mayer or Maier or whatever his name is (amazing that an articulate college studen can't remember his uncle's name) completely shuts up...and his rent paying 'nephew' with his middle name takes over....Aren't you paying rent to someone who is moving soon - that's what you keep telling us. The Maiers taxes will be unaffected because they say they are gone..and you - being a renter, kicked out of your uncle's home when they move, will have no ties to our town....

I respected you once "Greg" - but you are causing many in this town to lose that respect.

Have a nice day.......Daniel...

Rational · Status: Offline

quote:
Originally posted by: GadFly
"Amazing how that Greg or Craig or Mayer or Maier or whatever his name is (amazing that an articulate college studen can't remember his uncle's name) completely shuts up...and his rent paying 'nephew' with his middle name takes over....Aren't you paying rent to someone who is moving soon - that's what you keep telling us. The Maiers taxes will be unaffected because they say they are gone..and you - being a renter, kicked out of your uncle's home when they move, will have no ties to our town.... I respected you once "Greg" - but you are causing many in this town to lose that respect. Have a nice day.......Daniel... "

Another hint - - - never did I ever say that I was related to Craig. I have no idea where you got that one from. I just live here. Maybe I will buy this place and become a direct taxpayer, who knows. They do not want a lot for their place - - - I can almost afford it and have been thinking about it. I guess you never met a well-to-do-kid before, so this scenario can not possibly be true, right?

GadFly · Status: Offline

Stop the charade...end your lies. You said you'd move - good ridance...Stop giving our town a bad name...You've already given us one black eye - must you try for two?

You're making an asshole of yourself and everyone sees it.

Rational · Status: Offline

You know what they say when you make assumptions, don't you? I will not fill in the rest of the cliche', but you know what it is. Come on over for a beer so that we can all chat about it, ok? lol!!

Aquarius · Status: Offline

From the "Shoot The Messenger" message thread ... here is what "Rational/Daniel" posted:

(quote excerpt) ... Lisa, Craig and his wife are moving. I am a relative of theirs and I live with them while I am attending County .... (end quote excerpt)

Now you've said: "Another hint - - - never did I ever say that I was related to Craig."

Spin spin spin away ... if not related specifically to Craig himself, then to Craig's wife ... whatever. As someone else said it really is irrelevant to the subject matter of this message board.

Your credibility is zero no matter which way it's spun and no matter who you really are or aren't.

-B.

Rational · Status: Offline

Just exactly what is your credibility, Aquarius / Bystander? Is Aquarius your first name or your surname? Incidently - you do not even live in this town, so why don't you go find some other venue in which to stir the pot. Please advise as to YOUR true identity instead of hiding behind your little screen names! We all want to know how much that you collect from Ireland to represent his interests, Bystander/Aquarius/Weinstein?

-- Edited by Rational at 09:09, 2004-11-03

-- Edited by Rational at 09:14, 2004-11-03

GadFly · Status: Offline

quote:
Originally posted by: Rational
"Just exactly what is your credibility, Aquarius / Bystander? Is Aquarius your first name or your surname? Incidently - you do not even live in this town, so why don't you go find some other venue in which to stir the pot. Please advise as to YOUR true identity instead of hiding behind your little screen names! We all want to know how much that you collect from Ireland to represent his interests, Bystander/Aquarius/Weinstein? -- Edited by Rational at 09:09, 2004-11-03 -- Edited by Rational at 09:14, 2004-11-03"

Craig (and / or / equal???) Daniel,

You've gone so far off the deep end that you are being attacked by people who also do not want this monstrosity in OUR town.

Many people feel that the negative press you caused once with your 'shoot from the hip' attitude has done damage to our town and our cause, and many are convinced that your continued use of an 'alter ego' whom we all know is a figment of your imagination will only inflict more harm on our town. Of course, that's JMHO, but I'm sure many others agree.

Rational · Status: Offline

quote:

Originally posted by: GadFly
" Craig (and / or / equal???) Daniel"

Hmmph. Both of those names are "familiar" names. Is your first name "Gadfly?" If so, I would be cursing my parents!! lol - - - at least some of us have been willing to bare to the world our real "familiar" names, including my landlords Craig and Marla and myself, Daniel. Just who the hell are you?? Cut the crap. Anyone can make comments with an anonymous name. You have my name and (address, since Craig and Marla published it a long time ago and I live with them) and everyone who is suspicious has been invited here to see what is what and who is who. What about you?

-- Edited by Rational at 17:36, 2004-11-03