By
giving Americans a tax incentive to give to charities, Bush is trying to use the hand of God to create more Republican voters.
An expansion of social programs and an emphasis on rehabilitation is vital to this nation - however, it is also vital to this country that these programs be secular. Churches may have effective programs to help those in need. We have all heard stories of criminals and drug addicts that find God in their darkest hours, "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me." But we cannot forget that old Amazin' Gracey doesn't give a damn about some people. Atheists for example, according to the "Good Book," are going straight to hell.
Now why would a church want to help an atheist with a drug habit if it believes he is going to burn in eternal damnation?
I want my tax dollars to help those in need. But I must be promised that an addict who walks into a federally funded clinic is never asked, "Do you believe in God?" We need better child care, but our children must not be brainwashed while they are waiting for their parents to pick them up from school. I must be promised that my tax dollars will never pay for a steeple, a pulpit or a cross.
I respect those that have given their lives to the service of a higher power, but I will not accept religion in the government to which I pledge my allegiance. Mother Theresa helped millions and deserves her sainthood, but even she believed that AIDS was a punishment upon the homosexual community. The Mormon Church as late as the 1950s believed that a broad nose and dark skin was the mark of Cain, and the Baptist Church has recently stated that wives are obligated to be submissive to their husbands.
God and government don't mix. Religion can heal those with faith, but it can oppress those without it.
