Federal
Judge Flunks History Lesson
Patrick Henry’s Give me liberty or death speech was “known as The Parson's Cause in the year 1763.”
Does this judge not know what prompted/inspired Patrick Henry to
make THE SPEECH? This speech that was pivotal and perhaps the single most
important speech in American History. Without this speech there would
have been no Bill of Rights and likely No Constitution and No America as we
know it. A Preacher was beaten to death by the Agents of Government –
read on and remember . . ..
Commentary RE!...Federal Judge Strips Religious Tax Exemption
From Preachers, Declares It Unconstitutional
Fri Nov 22, 2013 at 04:05 PM PST http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/11/22/1257753/-Fed-Court-Ministers-now-have-to-pay-income-tax-on-their-free-housing
“U.S. District Court Judge Barbara B. Crabb
of the Western District of Wisconsin ruled that the so-called “parish
exemption,” which allows religious ministers to avoid paying taxes on the value
of their housing granted to them by their religious employers, “violates the
establishment clause” of the U.S. Constitution and must be discontinued.”
Discussion and Commentary by Bez7:
The decision is based on governments love
of money – “Within the 43 page decision, the court cited
that the tax exemption costs taxpayers billions.”]
1 Timothy 6:10 King
James Version (KJV)
10 For the love of money is the root of all
evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and
pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
The power to tax is the power to destroy!
“It is my contention that the axioms and principles set forth in
support of this decision, if correct, apply
to all taxation. That is, the power to tax any one by any
government involves the power to destroy and that this power of government by
taxation to destroy can defeat and render useless the power of individuals to
create and preserve what they have created.”
Read more: http://www.fee.org/the_freeman/detail/the-power-to-tax-is-the-power-to-destroy#ixzz2nm7ViG6q
Read more: http://www.fee.org/the_freeman/detail/the-power-to-tax-is-the-power-to-destroy#ixzz2nm7ViG6q
Almost all can answer the question “What happened on July 4, 1776?”
A. “The Declaration of Independence” But how many of you can answer the
Question: “What was the Declaration of July 6, 1775?” You will find the
answer somewhere below.*
If you have never read Patrick Henry’s most famous speech or if
has been a long time since you did I have included it below. Take the
time – READ IT NOW!
Then I ask you “Have we come full circle?”
When I was much younger, before 401C 3 designations were sold to
the American public for Churches and religious organizations to have tax exempt
status – an exemption they already had! We were taught that the American
Flag and the Christian Flag were to be displayed AT EQUAL HEIGHTS. This
was to proclaim that neither was superior in standing and authority but were
co-equals in authority – each in its own sphere of influence and administration
UNDER GOD.
The early settlers came to America seeking religious
freedom. This country was dedicated in thanksgiving to God Almighty and
evidence of His Hand of Blessing and Protection was undeniable through many
decades in our early history. America was founded on the firm foundations
of Bible teaching and practice as proclaimed by Preachers of the Gospel of Our
Lord Jesus Christ. And we prospered so long as We the People acknowledged
that we were a nation UNDER GOD.
In more recent years I have observed Churches with a single flag
pole on their property with the American Flag flying above the Christian Flag
and at first this struck me as offensive and wrong. However, I have come
to realize that when a church is organized under the 401 C 3 rules then this is
a proper display of the fact that any church so organized is proclaiming that
its creator is the STATE and NOT GOD. It is proclaiming that it is
subservient to the rules of the CORPORATION first and God second.
In a society that has forgotten its roots, does not even teach
the history and founding principles of our foundations to our youth and to
immigrants, that celebrates “diversity” more than unity and “political
correctness” more than truth then it is not surprising that a Federal Judge has
ruled what formerly would have been unthinkable; indeed such a decision would
have been declared a clear violation of the First Amendment. The emphasis
on avoiding an “establishment of religion” while ignoring “or prohibiting the
free exercise thereof” has turned the intent upside down.
Does this judge not know what prompted/inspired Patrick Henry to
make THE SPEECH? This speech that was pivotal and perhaps the single most
important speech in American History. Without this speech there would
have been no Bill of Rights and likely No Constitution and No America as we
know it. A Preacher was beaten to death by the Agents of Government –
read on and remember . . ..
Patrick Henry’s Give me liberty or death speech “known as The Parson's Cause in the year 1763.”
Patrick
Henry
"...Virtue, morality, and religion. This is the
armor, my friend, and this alone that renders us invincible. These are the
tactics we should study. If we lose these, we are conquered, fallen indeed...so
long as our manners and principles remain sound, there is no danger."
~ Patrick Henry
This page is a brief on Patrick Henry- the God-fearing
Patriot. Patrick Henry's first oratory landmark was known as The Parson's Cause
in the year 1763. This suit grew out of a Virginia law that was opposed by King
George III of England. The law permitted payment of the Anglican clergy in
money instead of tobacco whenever the tobacco crop was poor. Henry astonished
the audience in the courtroom with his eloquence in promulgating the doctrine
of natural rights, the political theory that man is born with certain
inalienable rights. During the trial, he declared, that a king, by vetoing acts
of the colonial legislature, "degenerates into a tyrant and forfeits all
right to his subjects' obedience." This would not be the last time he
would endear himself to the cause of the plight of the churchmen.
This lawyer, a former farmer and storekeeper, rode into
Culpepper, Virginia in March, 1775. As he approached the center of town, he was
disgusted and shocked by the sight that met his stare. In the middle of the
town square, a man was lashed to a whipping post, his back was bloody and
raw, being laid bare by the metal-tips of the whip that had persecuted him.
Henry inquired of the crowd what the man did to deserve such a beating as this.
The answer was that he was a Preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, one of a
dozen, who refused to take out a license to preach from the Anglican (English)
church. The governor was under an edict from King George III to force all
preachers to take the license and the 'renegade ministers' were put on trial -
without the benefit of a jury. This particular minister had greatly resisted,
declaring in court, "I will never submit to taking your license. I
am controlled by the Holy Spirit, and authorized by God Almighty, and I will
not allow you to control me by a license, no matter what you may do to
me." This man, and his (11) fellow preachers, were all publicly
flogged for their 'treasonous behavior' - they had resisted to blood -
and this man ... unto death. The beating he withstood was so brutal that the
outraged Patrick Henry could count the man's ribs. The courage and thirst
for liberty of this 'man of God' inspired Patrick Henry deeply. There is little
doubt that the event blazed in his mind as he spoke a short while later the
words that he would become most famous for - "give me liberty - or give
me death." The text of his famous speech is included here in this
historic brief so you may read of his love for liberty and trust in the Lord of
Hosts.
On March 23, 1775, Patrick Henry attended the second
revolutionary meeting of the Continental Congress held in St. John's church in
Richmond, Virginia. Patrick Henry urged the colony to arm its militia and adopt
"... a posture of defense...embodying, arming, and disciplining such a
number of men as may be sufficient for that purpose." Without any
reference notes, just prior to the final vote, Henry gave his inspiring oratory
before men and God.
Give Me Liberty Or
Give Me Death Patrick
Henry, March 23, 1775.
"No
man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of
the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men
often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will
not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do
opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my
sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The
questing before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own
part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and
in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the
debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and
fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should
I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I
should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act
of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all
earthly kings.
Mr.
President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt
to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren
till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a
great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number
of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the
things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever
anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know
the worst, and to provide for it.
I
have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of
experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And
judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the
British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which
gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that
insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not,
sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be
betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our
petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and
darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and
reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that
force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir.
These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which
kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its
purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other
possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the
world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has
none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. They are sent over
to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so
long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir,
we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer
upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which
it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and
humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already
exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done
everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We
have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated
ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the
tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been
slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our
supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt,
from the foot of the throne! In vain, after these things, may we indulge the
fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If
we wish to be free-- if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable
privileges for which we have been so long contending--if we mean not basely to
abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we
have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our
contest shall be obtained--we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An
appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us!
They
tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary.
But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will
it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed
in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we
acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and
hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us
hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means
which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of
people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as
that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send
against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is
a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise
up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the
strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we
have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to
retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our
chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war
is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.
It
is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace--
but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps
from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our
brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that
gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to
be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I
know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me
death! “
How much closer are we to the fulfillment of the prophetic
warning of President Ronald Reagan: “If this nation ever forgets that we are a
nation UNDER GOD then we will be a NATION GONE UNDER”.
Have
we come full circle? Bez7
*ANSWER: The
Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms was a document
issued by the Second Continental Congress on July 6,
1775.
For further study go to these articles:
“Whenever
any form of government becomes destructive of these ends [life, liberty, and
the pursuit of happiness] it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it,
and to institute new government...” Thomas Jefferson
Disclaimer: It
is not my intent to encourage taking up arms against our government; instead, I
do encourage Christians to get involved in the debate, to take up the weapons
of our warfare that are spiritual: 2
Corinthians 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare
are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down
of strong holds;) Bez7
End
comments. /s/William Eason aka Bez7
Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2013 9:38 AM
Subject: Fwd: FW: WOW!!!...Federal Judge Strips Religious Tax Exemption From Preachers, Declares It Unconstitutional
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Federal
Judge Strips Religious Tax Exemption From Preachers, Declares It
Unconstitutional
Posted
Today, 09:21 PMFederal Judge Strips Religious Tax Exemption From Preachers, Declares It Unconstitutional
Prepare for Christian right-wing rage. On Friday, a federal judge struck down a 1954 law that provided a hefty tax exemption to Christian pastors.
A federal court has declared a tax exemption for preachers unconstitutional.
In the court’s opinion, Judge Barbara Crabb of the Western District of Wisconsin wrote that 26 U.S. C. § 107(2) “violates the establishment clause… because the exemption provides a benefit to religious persons and no one else, even though doing so is not necessary to alleviate a special burden on religious exercise.”
Within the 43 page decision, the court cited that the tax exemption costs taxpayers billions. At least $2.3 billion has been stashed away by supposed “men of god” over a five year period between 2002 and 2007 alone.
According to the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), the organization that brought the suit, the tax exemption allowed “ministers of the gospel” to exclude a housing allowance from their income.
“Ministers may, for instance, use the untaxed income to purchase a home, and, in a practice known as “double dipping,” may then deduct interest paid on the mortgage and property taxes,” FFRF said in anews release announcing the court’s decision.
Furthermore FFRF noted what pastors often use the tax exemption for.
Quote
“Clergy are permitted to use the housing allowance not just for rent or mortgage, but for home improvements including swimming pools, maintenance and repairs,” FFRF states. “They may exempt from taxable income up to the fair market rental value of their home, particularly benefiting well-heeled pastors. The benefit extends to churches, which can pay clergy less, as tax-free salaries go further.”
Such tax exemptions rob taxpayers of billions of dollars..
In short, unlike most Americans who struggle to even keep their homes, pastors get a free ride from churches, which is then exempted from taxation so that they can use the money to make their own more extravagant. Basically, pastors are robbing taxpayers to improve their own lifestyles.
In the decades since 1954, this particular exemption has kept billions upon billions of dollars in revenues from the federal government. Such money could have paid for education, social programs that help the poor, health care, housing and other programs that improve the lives of Americans as a whole. Sadly, pastors have simply been allowed to pocket the extra cash for themselves all these years, even as many church leaders decry things such as the national debt today. That’s another thing the money could have been applied to all this time.
The tax exemption was passed by Congress in the 1950s along with other violations of the Constitution.
The exemption was sponsored by Congressman Peter Mack, who urged pastors be compensated by the US government for “carrying on such a courageous fight against this [godless and anti-religious world movement].” You would think words such as these would have come out of the mouth of a Republican, but oddly enough, Mack was a Democrat.
Of course, the fact that Mack was a Democrat is irrelevant. The point is that the law he supported is totally unconstitutional. As Crabb states in the ruling, “Some might view a rule against preferential treatment as exhibiting hostility toward religion, but equality should never be mistaken for hostility. It is important to remember that the establishment clause protects the religious and nonreligious alike.”
Such an exemption is completely unfair in our society. It bestows a governmental gift to Christian pastors for waging a crusade against atheists and non-believers. Why should pastors be given such treatment by the federal government when the rest of the American people do not? This is clearly a case of government respecting an establishment of religion, which is forbidden by the Constitution.
Of course, the exemption was passed in 1954 at a time when violation of the establishment clause ran rampant. In the same year, Congress mandated that “In God We Trust” be engraved on our money. Later that decade, the phrase became the national motto. The 1950s also saw the addition of “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance. All clearly refer to the Christian deity, and are all therefore unconstitutional as well.
This victory in federal court is a major one, but it’s still just a small step toward what must be done.
The ruling on tax exemptions is a major victory but just a small step toward eliminating the billions of dollars churches still receive.
But the “parsonage exemption” that was struck down on Friday is merely a fraction of tens of billions of dollars that churches rake in off the backs of taxpayers. According to the Washington Post, religious tax exemptions cost Americans over $82 billion every year. Religious groups also own property exceeding the amount of $600 billion. Imagine if no religion received such tax exemptions. $82 billion would be saved every year and could go toward things like health care, education, infrastructure, and paying off the debt. Or the money could simply be returned to the pockets of the citizens of this county. At a time when Americans are struggling to get by, I’m sure they’d welcome the relief such money would provide.
No religion in this nation should get a tax-free ride in this nation. Not all taxpayers share the same religion. Therefore, their tax dollars shouldn’t go to a church or religion they do not support. In other words, religious organizations should rely on their congregations for donations, not the federal government that is supposed to represent everyone regardless of what their beliefs may be. As Benjamin Franklin once said,
Quote
“When a religion is good, I conceive it will support itself; and when it does not support itself, and God does not take care to support
it so that its professors are obligated to call for help of the civil power, it’s a sign, I apprehend, of its being a bad one.”
~Benjamin Franklin, letter to Richard Price, October 9, 1780
Instead of taking care of religious organizations with taxpayer money, the federal government should use those revenues to care for the people who paid them in the first place. It’s not just the right thing to do, it’s the constitutional thing to do. This victory in federal court is a major one, but it’s still just a small step toward what must be done.
2 comments:
Does this Judge know that President Nixon signed into law Section 508 of the Internal Revenue Code in 1969, that Churches are NOT Required to be 501(c)(3) corporations!
They are EXEMPT, and ALL Judges Reject this Law to Mandate ALL information of a Church is to be Provided to the IRS, and THE UNITED STATES, INC. can tell a church what they can and can NOT Preach, which comes to ONLY those churches that support Government Totalitarianism can get political!
Kent Hovind in sitting in jail because he Obeyed the Law, Section 508, and the Government did NOT!
Tax can destroy government officials and end up destroying regular workers but if it goes to the right project then it is a tax well spent.
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