Unbelievable.
Senator Grassley of Iowa’s Evangelical Finance Probe was released this week. A lot of us were hoping these megachurches would be scrutinized for their most flagrant abuses: the obscene salaries, the private jets and luxury cars, the politicking. Most of us are shocked these sham broadcast ministries can exist as tax exempt non-profit organizations in the first place, but it is stunning that because they’re religious institutions they don’t have to file detailed financial disclosure reports to the IRS. So we were glad that Grassley and team were investigating.
Well now the report is out and we know what they were doing the last three years and investigating was not it. Out of the six broadcast ministries looked at only two cooperated, and *zero* subpoenas were issued by investigators. What a scam.
Grassley offered this statement, which I have been trying to parse for a while but I’m having trouble because it’s such bullshit:
The staff review sets the stage for a comprehensive discussion among churches and religious organizations. I look forward to helping facilitate this dialogue and fostering an environment for self-reform within the community.
Translation: we will ask churches to be good. Hey if that doesn’t work, perhaps another three year investigation in which nothing is investigated is in order. You sir, Senator Grassley, are a fraud.
Here are some depressing articles about this mess:
@ Inna Spaghetti Davita – The difference is that oil exists.
Some1 here said do not hate th churches, start ur own…my spouse & i were observing the long fought battle for legalizing pot. We do not partake, but a friend in her 80s once requested she b helped 2 obtain, some, if her cancer came back…i am not against it, if she could obtain relief no other way…which in itself somewhat debatable, esp considering th carcinogenic qualities of mj…anyway, if some1 were 2 start a religion with this as a focal point- dont c how itd b contested. Have heard enough proponents speak out, about it…whom many seem set on its use if legal or not, doesnt seem 2 have gone anywhere…mayb those interested in legalising it in usa
ought take a different tact. Just a thought…having no investment in the outcome per se, just seems enough will have this as continued part of practices either way…we had also predicted when it legalizes, th tobacco cos would take over jurisdicting…which serms wrong, if tobacco @ all contributes 2 conditions & suffering persons end up seeking relief for…here we have cause and cure from same place…
…a religion is already kind of in place, a subculture. We dont have any investment in seeing it become legal personally, but it seems hypocritical that there r no or little protections 4 persons interested…like th person mentioned, in her 80s- if some1 cares 2 explore that as option, should have it available. Am not suggesting church of fsm adopt this cause, just pointing out…@ religious rites, there is wine being ingested as is, varied religions…how much a stretch this would,b not much…anyway just a conversation. Take it 4 what is worth.
Please use english if you want anyone to read this. I gave up after three sentances. Might be easier to type but it is rubbish to read.
Agreed. Might be a good point in there somewhere, but it was a total chore to read after a line or two. Don’t use numbers, take a moment and type out “to”.
tried to read this, really did. really did. but it was all “@ 2 c 4 b …. … … th serms”