May
29, 2009
Bankrupt County Tries to Shake Down Religion
In the not so golden state of California, where voters just turned down five propositions
that would have increased their taxes and held massive Tea
Parties last month, the bankrupt county of San Diego is trying to tax religion.
Pastor David Jones and his wife Mary received a visit from a county official came
to their home and asked, "Do you have a regular meeting in your home? Do
you say amen? Do you pray? Do you say praise the Lord?" They answered "yes"
to each. They were then ordered to stop practicing their religion without a permit.
The
legal term the county used was "unlawful use of land." They want the
couple to pay for a permit that could cost tens of thousands of dollars. Of course,
the county is attempting to do this to Christians. They wouldn't dare try this
with Muslims. They probably wouldn't try it with Jews, either. Not until they
find out whether they can get away with this.
The permit is nothing more than
a shake down. It's a hidden tax on religion. It's also unconstitutional. It's
a violation of their civil rights. America was first settled by Europeans escaping
religious persecution. The forefathers of this once great nation knew that this
day would come and were sure to place protections from the government attacks
on religion. Of course, liberals twist the meaning and attempt to crush religion;
the very religion on which this country was founded.
The county claims that
neighbors were complaining. However, no one could find a complaining neighbor.
Also, the county's complaint was for religious assembly. There was nothing in
it about parking or other complaints.
No, this is just a bankrupt local government
trying to skirt the voters' will and take money from its citizens and attack religion
at the same time. Hopefully, the county will be sued and found liable for millions
of dollars for civil rights violations. Don't hold your breath, the ACLU is mysteriously
absent and this is the era ObamiNation.
TLG
