right on the money. the people ALWAYS pick up the tab.

Greetings and Felicitations,

I know that is what happened for two reasons. I was there when the manager was given the list which was then given to me. There was a discussion about the supplies being ready for the banquet. In addition, I know where the dinner took place and know what was done at the dinner.
If you don't have the items donated that you want for an auction don't have an auction. If there was an auction what are the chances that the supplies gathered as much money as they initially cost.

I would like to point the fact that supporting an organization that is supposed to help disadvantaged people shouldn't be encouraging the possession of things you can't afford. They should be focusing on the things that are necessary and not on frivolous items. Every $249 Ipod could buy food for a shelter instead of giving something away to someone that simply furthers the gotta-have-it attitude that Americans have developed.

Sincerely Yours,
C. David Neely

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Depending on the organization, the chances are good to excellent. otherwise why do it ? I can tell you with absolute certainty that Duck Unlimited makes a boatload of money with theirs.

During the last election, there was a news story that looked at churches that backed (not monetarily) candidates. Apparently, according to the law, if you are a church (I am not sure if it is this way for all non profit orgs) and you back a candidate (I can't remember the specifics) then your non-profit status can be taken from you. I haven't heard of this ever being done (churches back candidates all the time) though.

How about we give tax exempt cards with restrictions on what they can be used for. Tv's and the like shouldn't be covered, but supplies for maintainence should be covered?

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"A man flattened by an opponent can get up again. A man flattened by conformity stays down for good."
-Thomas J. Watson

It is not just religious activities that receive tax exempt status Matt. The problem is that raising revenue will not solve the budget crisis, it is getting rid of outdated expenditures.

As for your state, perhaps a removal of property tax exemptions would be in order for any real property not valued over $50,000.

Ministers, generally, already pay income tax on income they receive including love offerings and other services they perform as ministers. However, ministers, as well as anyone else, are entitled to the same exemptions, deductions, credits, etc to lower their tax liability.
NOTE: Churches do pay income taxes on activities that are not within

Churches do pay some taxes, especially on activities that fall outside the scope of their charter. And it is at the higher rate.

Churches do not and cannot support a candidate or party by name, but they can speak of moral issues, which can include an eleciton outcome. Restricting freedom of speech to ministers is like restricting your freedom of speech at a sporting event, public gathering, or even in your own home.

Too complicated and ripe for abuse.

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http://www.fairtax.org

Elminate all taxes on income and replace with a national sales tax.