THE BIG "3" IN TOWN
When you enter a small town for the first time, three types of buildings will "stand out" as being the most expensive structures around. Government, bank, and church buildings, are usually the "show places" in small towns across America.
The common denominator for these institutions, is the fact they ALL subsist off of OTHER PEOPLES MONEY! Taxes, fees, and tithes, mean big bucks for those on the "receiving" end of the line. Is EXCESS a factor, or do we really owe these enterprises most of our financial resources?
GOVERNMENT: Our government bodies are all dedicated to enlarging both their power & financial base, as their true "bottom line". No sane person can be against taxes, as we all demand and use the services governments provide to some degree.
This does not however, grant our politicians a license to STEAL from us. A thief with a "badge" is much lower in esteem, than a thug with a knife or gun. Government tax penalties, fines, and fees, make the "loan sharks" of old seem like "saints" by comparison. The money taken from working class people, is usually given to "trash" class people. WE ARE IN TROUBLE PEOPLE!
BANKS: The pseudo-government federal reserve system has made "clones" out of most financial institutions, such as banks. (when is the last time you got a free "toaster" for opening an account with a bank?) Over draft fees, checking fees, and such, vary little from bank to bank. Everyday, new policies are put into place to dig a little deeper into the pocket of the banking customer.
It is a breeze to make a deposit, but getting a loan is another question. If everyday people knew the facts concerning the "bank secrecy act," and the ways the bookkeeping was structured, there would be a lot LESS money in banks. In most banks the computers deduct debits from you account after hours and on weekends, but that late night Friday deposit will seldom be credited to your account until Monday! Believe me, there is a DOUBLE STANDARD at work in the banking world. (and it ain't in your favor)
CHURCHES:
This is the part that "bugs" me to most, as you would think churches would operate on a higher standard than banks, or the government. The sad part is that the GOSPEL has become almost a hidden message, as the priority of the "church" is pleasing those who financially support their ministry. Consider these facts:
If a church body is forced to choose between obeying God, or the IRS, guess who wins? Many denominational bodies and ministries have large financial empires with vast property holdings, and professional management teams to oversee their operations. These so-called "churches," are actually state and federally endorsed corporations. Most of the funds they receive are used to enlarge their scope of operations, and for building projects. It is not uncommon for certain ministers to own airplanes, vast homes, and live the same style of life a secular business executive does.
The bible does say that ministers of the gospel should be financially supported, but it does not endorse the practice of providing them with furnished castles and stretch-limousines. In biblical times the week collections were for the needs of the saints, not the pastors! The money some pastors receive from salaries, could buy a lot of bibles and opportunities to preach the gospel to the lost.
The summation is this: We pay through the nose, to keep the parasites alive and well. The citizen, the customer, and even God, have been left out in the cold. It AIN'T the fault of those in charge, it is OUR fault! We place such people into office and positions of power, and then we SUPPORT and keep them in power. As BAD as the above forces are, WE are even worse. (that WE, includes YOU)
EMAIL Charles Gleason
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