The conservative pastors arguing this have a fundamental misunderstanding of free speech. They believe that free speech means conservatives should be allowed to say absolutely anything they want to anywhere they want and at any time they want without any consequences. Of course, they have no problem with consequences for everyone they don't like suffering consequences for saying things they don't like. I notice that this bill would apply to 𝗮𝗹𝗹 nonprofits. If it were to pass, what would stop Planned Parenthood from endorsing any Democrat for president? Naturally the far right assholes would then claim that endorsing a pro-choice candidate is way out of the scope of a pro-choice organizations ordinary course of its activities, while claiming that it is well within the ordinary course of a conservative church's activities to actively promote Republicans because they share the same force-birth views.
Why would we expect anything other than hypocrisy at this point?
They are doing everything they can to defund and eradicate Planned Parenthood. A little more of this and we will have Gilead and an Evangelical Inquisition.
Conservatives (pastor or not) don't have a fundamental misunderstanding of free speech. They are conservatives, therefore they are liars. They hope their parishioners don't understand free speech.
Oh, pity the poor pastors. They want to illegally engage in politics from their pulpits, while suffering no consequences and paying no taxes. This is an attempt to institutionalize Christian privilege. It is never the job of our secular government to backstop anyone's religion. American Christians have got to rank among the least persecuted people on earth but you would never know that to listen to them.
meanwhile, the right had a fit when Mariann Budde espoused actual Christian values at the inaugural prayer service. (without, of course, endorsing - or criticizing - any actual candidates)
This isn’t about the first amendment, not about free speech, not about religious freedom, it’s not about curtailing what pastors say at all. It’s about addressing the rules agreed to by both parties, the churches and the IRS, when becoming a 501(c) (3). If you feel like those rules are too restrictive, don’t get the tax exempt status. It doesn’t stop you from being a church and you can still end up paying zero taxes, just do charity as you profess you do and then you won’t have the tax burden.
Sure they can. They have it both ways about everything. God loves everyone, but he doesn’t love you as much as he loves me and maybe he doesn’t love you at all. God tells us not to judge other people, but it’s OK if it’s righteous judgment. God says to love everyone, but not you. God says don’t have a ham sandwich, unless you want one. The New Testament supersede the Old Testament, except when it doesn’t. We love everyone, which is why we revile and slander everyone who is not us.
It looks like making these would need double pointed needles, I like bamboo but use metal a lot as well, depends on what I can find when I’m looking. I don’t do amigurumi, but I’ve done similar things , stuffed stars for example. I would use what’s comfortable to make it, but then stuff it with glass shards and splinters.
I have no real issue with churches being tax-exempt. I do have an issue with the fact that they get that exemption automatically, and don't have to jump through the hoops that everyone else must in order to gain that exemption. Then there is the paperwork they are exempt from filing that all other 501(c)3 organizations must do.
I think that churches should have to play by ALL the rules other non-profits must follow. Otherwise, they need to pay their taxes.
Church members have the right to know how their church spends their tithe money. Why are churches exempt from filing form 990, from any accountability to their donors. Is this about hiding how much they spend for private jets, luxury cars, expensive watches, big mansions with swimming pools (including pool boys), $1000 footwear, hiding cash behind dry walls and other examples we have recently read about, compared to how much they spend feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, helping the poor, visiting the lonely and other good works they are supposed to do?
Churches are exempt from form 990 because Christian Fucking Privilege. There probably are churches actually doing the right thing with their cash, but we can never know it because the "good" ones don't file, either.
Skankford: "Pastors have First Amendment rights just like every single American has First Amendment rights."
Think again.
"Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the government can expel legal residents from the country based on “past, current, or expected beliefs, statements, or associations that are otherwise lawful.”"
This Republican lawmaker would prefer that Christian churches are exempt from the Johnson Amendment, but is enforced when it comes to mosques, temples, pagans, etc. The Republican Party is where hypocrisy and double standard are alive and well!
You would think that Christians would be ashamed to lie, molest children, encourage and abet cruelty, and mistreat their neighbors….but apparently the right wing thinks those are ok. Not very Christ like. I am an atheist and I am more moral than so many of those Christian jackals.
Too bad the IRS isn’t investigating churches. Even beyond rampant church affiliated pedophilia, and politicking, I’m sure the illegal transfer and use of money would be very interesting for any forensic auditor.
The IRS is strategically underfunded so that it only has enough resources to keep the average American taxpayer in line. Biden tried to fund it more fully so that the IRS could investigate the super wealthy and retrieve the billions of dollars they cheat, and they were able to collect an enormous amount for the short time they were funded. Of course, Trump and Elon immediately cut that funding in their attempt to be “efficient”.
"Christian Nationalists" won't be happy until separation of church and state is no longer. Except they don't seem to understand that their type of Christianity in the future may not be the religion in power of the United States theocracy they want.
IMO sadly religious culture wars are increasing on planet Earth. Innocent lives lost and destruction on every continent. Many overlook the at the underlining reason for most conflicts, "religions." In God they trust.
An excellent example of how Republicans play victim: with both sides treated equally, one side 'fears something will happen', the other knows it won't. Therefore, the fearful are being oppressed.
The twisted pretzel logic (shout out to Steely Dan) of the Christian right has me perplexed. Have they made a concerted effort to dumb themselves down so they can pretend to believe their own bullshit?
What madness is this? Are all churchgoers really sheep seeking safety from these unfortunate, dangerous shepherds?
While sheep seek safety and shelter from the shepherds, it’s a false sense of security. They will be killed and eaten by the shepherd in the end.
Rednecks prefer the third option. They (rednecks) have more carnal knowledge with barnyard animals than they (rednecks) have in knowing what is in their bibles!
𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑚 𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑢𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐽𝑜ℎ𝑛𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝐴𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑐ℎ.
The conservative pastors arguing this have a fundamental misunderstanding of free speech. They believe that free speech means conservatives should be allowed to say absolutely anything they want to anywhere they want and at any time they want without any consequences. Of course, they have no problem with consequences for everyone they don't like suffering consequences for saying things they don't like. I notice that this bill would apply to 𝗮𝗹𝗹 nonprofits. If it were to pass, what would stop Planned Parenthood from endorsing any Democrat for president? Naturally the far right assholes would then claim that endorsing a pro-choice candidate is way out of the scope of a pro-choice organizations ordinary course of its activities, while claiming that it is well within the ordinary course of a conservative church's activities to actively promote Republicans because they share the same force-birth views.
Why would we expect anything other than hypocrisy at this point?
They are doing everything they can to defund and eradicate Planned Parenthood. A little more of this and we will have Gilead and an Evangelical Inquisition.
Then a lot of these MFs will learn they died for a lie.
PP has a separate political entity specifically for political endorsements and campaigning.
Churches can't be bothered. And why should they? They have omnipotent, omniscient Jesus on their side.
Conservatives (pastor or not) don't have a fundamental misunderstanding of free speech. They are conservatives, therefore they are liars. They hope their parishioners don't understand free speech.
Oh, pity the poor pastors. They want to illegally engage in politics from their pulpits, while suffering no consequences and paying no taxes. This is an attempt to institutionalize Christian privilege. It is never the job of our secular government to backstop anyone's religion. American Christians have got to rank among the least persecuted people on earth but you would never know that to listen to them.
Agreed, American Christians in all of the Americas. God bless America?
Do you have any Flavor-Aid handy?
What flavor does one like?
Almond.
MAGA ideology is pure entertainment, thanks.
Not if it cause pain and suffering to those who are not MAGA.
https://tenor.com/xeMu.gif
Yes
meanwhile, the right had a fit when Mariann Budde espoused actual Christian values at the inaugural prayer service. (without, of course, endorsing - or criticizing - any actual candidates)
Yes that was similar to those hissing vampire when confronted with a cross, scenes in the old movies.
This isn’t about the first amendment, not about free speech, not about religious freedom, it’s not about curtailing what pastors say at all. It’s about addressing the rules agreed to by both parties, the churches and the IRS, when becoming a 501(c) (3). If you feel like those rules are too restrictive, don’t get the tax exempt status. It doesn’t stop you from being a church and you can still end up paying zero taxes, just do charity as you profess you do and then you won’t have the tax burden.
“ They can’t have it both ways.”
Sure they can. They have it both ways about everything. God loves everyone, but he doesn’t love you as much as he loves me and maybe he doesn’t love you at all. God tells us not to judge other people, but it’s OK if it’s righteous judgment. God says to love everyone, but not you. God says don’t have a ham sandwich, unless you want one. The New Testament supersede the Old Testament, except when it doesn’t. We love everyone, which is why we revile and slander everyone who is not us.
well said.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/6352d66c3aaa1b1b66753531a3d7da230f81bb465c303342cf0d1e3c302911af.jpg
Terrific. Get me some knitting needles!
Straight or circular ? Metal, wood, plastic ? 😁
It looks like making these would need double pointed needles, I like bamboo but use metal a lot as well, depends on what I can find when I’m looking. I don’t do amigurumi, but I’ve done similar things , stuffed stars for example. I would use what’s comfortable to make it, but then stuff it with glass shards and splinters.
I knitted sweaters without hems for Aria with circular needles. A 4 inches cable* should work for the drumpster knitted figurine's body.
* I could make a queen sized blanket with a 4 feet cable.
Wood ... with LOTS of splinters! [I'll wear gloves!] 😁
You'd better knit with wire then. Yarn will snag on it.
That's the idea! 😈 DONNIE's yarn will snag! Muahahahahahaha!
No good. You need a personal possession of the intended victim for the voodoo to take.
The Orange Turd doesn't know that.
Get one of the trading cards and stick it inside.
😁
They're great - made me laugh!
Romans 13:6-7 specifically tells believers to pay their taxes and why.
Another bit of scripture xtians are selectively blind to.
I have no real issue with churches being tax-exempt. I do have an issue with the fact that they get that exemption automatically, and don't have to jump through the hoops that everyone else must in order to gain that exemption. Then there is the paperwork they are exempt from filing that all other 501(c)3 organizations must do.
I think that churches should have to play by ALL the rules other non-profits must follow. Otherwise, they need to pay their taxes.
Church members have the right to know how their church spends their tithe money. Why are churches exempt from filing form 990, from any accountability to their donors. Is this about hiding how much they spend for private jets, luxury cars, expensive watches, big mansions with swimming pools (including pool boys), $1000 footwear, hiding cash behind dry walls and other examples we have recently read about, compared to how much they spend feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, helping the poor, visiting the lonely and other good works they are supposed to do?
Churches are exempt from form 990 because Christian Fucking Privilege. There probably are churches actually doing the right thing with their cash, but we can never know it because the "good" ones don't file, either.
Skankford: "Pastors have First Amendment rights just like every single American has First Amendment rights."
Think again.
"Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the government can expel legal residents from the country based on “past, current, or expected beliefs, statements, or associations that are otherwise lawful.”"
https://www.salon.com/2025/04/10/thought-crimes-rubio-lays-out-governments-justification-to-deport-people-based-on-beliefs/
"expected beliefs." I guess Mr. Rubio wants a pre-crime unit like "Minority Report."
This Republican lawmaker would prefer that Christian churches are exempt from the Johnson Amendment, but is enforced when it comes to mosques, temples, pagans, etc. The Republican Party is where hypocrisy and double standard are alive and well!
You would think that Christians would be ashamed to lie, molest children, encourage and abet cruelty, and mistreat their neighbors….but apparently the right wing thinks those are ok. Not very Christ like. I am an atheist and I am more moral than so many of those Christian jackals.
NO shame. jeezus forgives all. Except not believing in the morbid monster.
Or girls/women who have an abortion to save their lives.
Or blaspheming the sacred pigeon.
AKA, the holy spook.
these took 6 & 7 minutes to get posted here.
Have you tried posting with your VPN off?
No, I would not think that Christians would be ashamed by the things you mentioned.
Too bad the IRS isn’t investigating churches. Even beyond rampant church affiliated pedophilia, and politicking, I’m sure the illegal transfer and use of money would be very interesting for any forensic auditor.
The IRS is strategically underfunded so that it only has enough resources to keep the average American taxpayer in line. Biden tried to fund it more fully so that the IRS could investigate the super wealthy and retrieve the billions of dollars they cheat, and they were able to collect an enormous amount for the short time they were funded. Of course, Trump and Elon immediately cut that funding in their attempt to be “efficient”.
No need to imagine. I am living it.
https://scontent-ord5-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/491348689_605074689226900_7931950788572955815_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=378O70MU12gQ7kNvwGdorQx&_nc_oc=AdmGbyiy385rLXNLA9RFGMExjvxtkolMyARdMxwz59f7LiJITsJaluFD2HCEXUzBqzk&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-3.xx&_nc_gid=9aMDhsTM0enOmaz2AXfftA&oh=00_AfG0wsP12SLUX0L7rlDsRtam1U4qCPLAzBShjzPKqqgYhg&oe=6803050B
"Christian Nationalists" won't be happy until separation of church and state is no longer. Except they don't seem to understand that their type of Christianity in the future may not be the religion in power of the United States theocracy they want.
IMO sadly religious culture wars are increasing on planet Earth. Innocent lives lost and destruction on every continent. Many overlook the at the underlining reason for most conflicts, "religions." In God they trust.
Tax the churches! Frank Zappa-1980
The return to the dark ages...
https://scontent-ord5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/491338821_605065502561152_2381211269166386973_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p526x296_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=CRhP8V95giQQ7kNvwFCr0lX&_nc_oc=AdnJqWxhqzTzYL37iY0QMcj5gTiM1Kz4ltcde-4BuEL1FAbxbk9Vo7ypw61pxmBaxng&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-2.xx&_nc_gid=gy5eI3OFougQr6pMMzWZ6A&oh=00_AfFYGGHHj4khtkts2RnPMqynir4QT1GUNEHTkwoWHyuxxg&oe=6802E90F
I would call this age: Nightfall: The age of ignorance and cruelty!
An excellent example of how Republicans play victim: with both sides treated equally, one side 'fears something will happen', the other knows it won't. Therefore, the fearful are being oppressed.
The twisted pretzel logic (shout out to Steely Dan) of the Christian right has me perplexed. Have they made a concerted effort to dumb themselves down so they can pretend to believe their own bullshit?
What madness is this? Are all churchgoers really sheep seeking safety from these unfortunate, dangerous shepherds?
While sheep seek safety and shelter from the shepherds, it’s a false sense of security. They will be killed and eaten by the shepherd in the end.
Shepherds to the sheep— the eternal questions:
Fleece them, filet them, or fuck them?
Rednecks prefer the third option. They (rednecks) have more carnal knowledge with barnyard animals than they (rednecks) have in knowing what is in their bibles!