Faith-based programs flourishing, Bush says

[sabra]

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2006-03-09-faith-based_x.htm

Faith-based programs flourishing, Bush says

BALTIMORE — Over on North Chester Street, in the heart of the inner city here, some 30 African-American boys and girls ages 6-11 leave school every weekday afternoon and noisily dash to a neighborhood center in a former Lutheran church for two hours of after-school reading and math.

They are just a handful of the tens of thousands of children and adults being served by federally funded faith-based and community programs that President Bush highlighted in Washington on Thursday.

"It used to be that groups were prohibited from receiving any federal funding whatsoever because they had a cross or a star or a crescent on the wall," Bush told religious leaders at the annual White House conference on Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.

"That's changed for the better," Bush said. "So now, when the government's making social service grants, money is awarded to groups that get the best results regardless of whether they're a faith-based program. That's all people want."

[goclark]

1. Bush needs to shut up~ we know why they are "helping"

the innocent children.

It's called mind control.

[MadMaddie]

2. In the long run * insistance on catering to the religious right...

will harm all relgious institutions.

He cuts funding for health care for the poor across the board and then give the money to churches without auditing the money.

This country has to remove the tax exempt status of all churches. These churches should not be getting our hard earned tax dollars to fill their coffers and build their mega churches.

I don't say this in a vindictive tone but I say this because the religious right has ensured the eventual demise of the power of churches and religions across this country.

If the Dems get back in power....this is going to have to happen to prevent the crap that we are experiencing now!!

[union_maid]

3. Faith based Homeland Security?

Why not? It's not like Bush is interested in secular Homeland Security.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/03/20060307-5.html

[Erika]

4. I have quit giving to religious organizations receiving tax $

and let them know about it. I'm not going to donate both voluntarily and involuntarily.

I do respect the churches who will not accept tax dollars such as the LDS (Mormon) church.

[rooboy]

5. And one day they'll refuse to give money to buildings with a star on them.

eom

[rodeodance]

6. so, mr. bush--what is the metric to claim that they " get the best results

"???????.

....."That's changed for the better," Bush said. "So now, when the government's making social service grants, money is awarded to groups that "That's changed for the better," Bush said. "So now, when the government's making social service grants, money is awarded to groups that get the best results regardless of whether they're a faith-based program. That's all people want."

regardless of whether they're a faith-based program. That's all people want."

[RaleighNCDUer]

7. Why are the churches so weak in Europe?

Because of Europe's history of blending church and state. Because of repeated religious wars in Europe's history where state power was thrown behind one religious faction or another. The 'troubles' in Ireland of two decades ago have a direct link to the Protestant/Catholic conflicts of 400 years ago.

Are we ready for our religious wars?

[mitchum]

8. Thanks to my fucking $$$, you miserable piece of shit

comment directed at the chimp-in-chief, not the OP

[Wrinkle_In_Time]

9. "Being served"?

They are just a handful of the tens of thousands of children and adults being served by federally funded faith-based and community programs that President Bush highlighted in Washington on Thursday.

{Emphasis mine} Sadly, yes. They were certainly "served", as in:

This Wikipedia reference to a really bad movie The expression "you got served" has been used to describe someone or something that has either lost badly, or been humiliated (or possibly both). Compare "pwned" from gaming subculture.

[Maat]

10. He is just lying.

It is not true that faith-based organizations could not get funding before. As you guys know, I was a social worker from 1993 to 2000, and I had to deal many times with "faith-based organizations." They are NOT any better than organizations of secular origin. I never met one that didn't do worse than the comparable secular organization in question.

Before, as in the example of Catholic Charities, in order to get a government contract (and they had one with San Bernardino County in California), they just had to incorporate a completely secular arm. The secular arm was supposed to comply with federal, state and county regulations, and was not exempt due to the Free Exercise Clause.

Prior to my becoming a social worker for the County, I interviewed at Catholic Charities, for a position as a family therapist intern (basically). The law stated that they could not ask me the following question, "Do you believe in abortion or are you pro-choice?" Guess what? They did. I was honest. I was not hired. I'm sure it was a fair process (said with sarcasm).

I remember one of the other faith-based organizations getting county/state money. They convinced my client that she had to sign a contract. All of her checks somehow went to them. Only the program's proctor could release funds for her needs. They refused on one occasion. I went down there and told them that the contract WOULD BE returned to her, so that she could tear it up. AND all monies would be returned to her. They started to decline; I told them who my associates at the agency were, that and described how I needed to discuss things at length with everyone at the County. The contract and funds were returned to my client immediately.

The religious orgs were hardly ever cooperative or helpful, and seemed mainly intent at proselytizing. Now, I was dealing with extremely hardright religious orgs and individuals.

So, I cringe when I hear that 'faith-based' money has gone out.

By contrast, in San Diego County, they do have a Interfaith Community Services, and that effort has a very good reputation.

[fshrink]

11. Yup. Chain production of obedient slaves.

A capitalistic dream come true.

[Cobalt Violet]

12. Playing the race card I see.

"African-American boys and girls"

[Fire Walk With Me]

13. Not my faith... Not my faith...

Chilly brrr...

Freedom for all faiths, not just his.

[cornermouse]

14. Faith based organizations may be flourishing.

Unfortunately , the people that they were intended to serve are not.

Between that and the fact that the republican party now feels free to demand the churches lists of members and visitors for political purposes and presumably sooner or later will not be able to resist exercising power over the church and the pulpit is the real reason why we had separation of church and state.