Governor Calls Tax Hike Christian Duty (Alabama)

[Nambe]

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP)

Alabama's new governor is trying to persuade voters to approve the biggest tax increase in state history by telling them it is their Christian duty. And for a state in the Bible Belt, that might seem like a winning strategy.

Instead, Republican Gov. Bob Riley's $1.2 billion tax package is alienating even the Christian Coalition and other supporters, who see Riley as a Judas. Riley had consistently opposed new taxes while in Congress.

Riley says the tax increase is needed to erase Alabama's biggest deficit since the Depression and improve education. The plan also seeks to help the poor by raising the income level at which people have to begin paying state taxes.

Alabama's threshold for paying state taxes is the lowest in the nation at just $4,600 for a family of four and has been remain unchanged since 1982.

Riley, a Southern Baptist, says Alabama has taxed its poorest too harshly for too long. ---


We are going to change history -- we're going to have a ton of fun doing it.

[CBGLuthier]

1. So atheists don't have to pay?

Makes me almost wish I lived there.

Actually I find this to be a rare and commendable application of Jesus's teachings. For once someone must have actually read his work. Had a lot to say about helping the poor and all.

[UnapologeticLiberal]

18. Exactly

I find it so ironic that some of these religious fundamentalists are so selective in which biblical teachings to preach and seem to care so little about what the Bible says about social justice and caring for the poor. Why is it that the Christian Right cares so much about protecting unborn babies but could not give a shit about poor children once they are born? Why is it that they want the government to police people's sexual behavior but don't think that the government should provide a social safety net? Why do they give no heed to what the Torah says about putting aside a portion of one's harvest to feed the hungry, which in today's terms would translate into giving a portion of one's income to help those less fortunate?

I commend the governor of Alabama for using the Bible the way I believe it as supposed to be used - as a primer for preaching social justice. If more Christian Conservatives would apply all the Judeo-Christian teachings to politics and not just the ones they like I would have a lot more respect for them and their positions.

[jamesinca]

19. Yes it does say that about the poor and helping them

I believe it is the book of Isaiah. He is generally regarded as the greatest of the old testament prophets.

[Mountainman]

2. Alabama's biggest deficit since the Depression

Recall him then. The state has a deficit and the Governor wants to raise taxes? Recall him. It works in California.

[Bandit]

14. Why? the only governor acting like a Democrat and you want to recall him

:shrug: I don't get it. Run him for president don't recall him. I'm just being a bit facetious here but you must get my gist.

[derby378]

3. Wow

Has the Christian Coalition in Alabama taken up the hue and cry of church-state separation yet?

:evilgrin:

[Vikingking66]

4. Democrats should seriously use this strategy

Think about it-
Democrats are weakest in the South, where their social
welfare programs are viewed as tax-and-spend liberal
bleeding heart blah blah...you get the idea.

If we spin the idea of social justice as christian
duty, using the language of the Sermon on the Mount
as "code" for raising taxes on the rich, it might
help us pick up a few more Southern states like
Florida, Louisiana, Arkansas, West Virginia, or
Tennessee.

The way I see it, a lot of the hostility toward
"northern liberals" is cultural hostility to those
who are not part of the devout christian mindset.
By coopting Christian terminology for liberal policy,
perhaps we can mollify "Christian voters" without
having to bend on important policy issues like
the separation of church and state.

In fact, you could use the Gospel to counterattack
the Christian Coalition and others who favor prayer
in schools and federal money for religious schools.
In the New Testament, Jesus condemns those who pray
out loud or who give to charity publicly on the
grounds that faith is a matter of private devotion
and not public display, he throws moneylenders out
of the temple and urges "give unto Caesar" in a clear
statement that the separation of church and state
is in his mind for the benefit of the church.

I'd love to see Pat Robertson's face when you
throw that one at him.

[TrogL]

9. "Christians" don't read the New Testament

at least not the type you're thinking about. They find the sermon on the mount incomprehensible because it's about love.

To them, the Bible consists of Genesis, Leviticus, Paul's Epistles and Revelations.

[lslaux]

5. Riley sounds like a Democrat.

But, if you're a Republican, you have to hide true compassion behind Christianity.

[Creamed Corn]

6. Give me a break!

All Democrats are good, all Republicans are evil.

Did I get it right?

[Cheswick2.0]

11. yup ,you have it right

any other questions?

[Bandit]

15. You are spot on correct and unless you have evidence saying otherwise

Let's consider it Fact.

[sandnsea]

7. It's sad he can't just say it's the smart thing to do

Of course if somebody started telling some of these people that supporting education and improving living standards for the poor is economically smart, they'd begin to question the entire Republican agenda.

Better to keep them dependent on the Bible for the truth, that way they can change the rules around any time they want to and the true believers will follow along.

I'm glad this guy is doing the right thing, but the way he's promoting it makes a sad statement about our country today.

[GainesT1958]

8. Since when did Riley...

Who snuck into office on the basis of several voting machines' mistakes, know anything about "Christian Duty"? x(

I sure hope Siegelman runs to get his office back in 2006--by then it'll ought to be clear to most Alabamians that he was a lot better than balancing a budget than our "good Christian friend" Riley! :eyes:

B-)

[Gopens]

12. My hat's off to the governor

But these Christian Coalition types are the most un-Christian, ignorant souls on the planet.

Atheists do a far better job of living up to Christian principles than these hypocrites.

[Jack The Tab]

10. Jesus is coming...and HE IS PISSED!

These "Christians" make me laugh. Although I will applaud his new love of providing services to the neediest of citizens, there has to be some catch somewhere. We just aren't looking hard enough.

These people don't get sudden surges in compassion and rarely do they ever do right by the people of this country. Call me a cynic, but there is some quid-pro-quo here, somewhere.

[DemoTex]

13. Jesus is coming ...

Look busy.

[hotphlash]

16. RWers are pissed because Riley's warped view of God

doesn't jibe with their warped view of God.

[Stuckinthebush]

17. You know the old saying, "only Nixon could go to China"

Only a Republican could get away with raising taxes in Alabama.

Good for Bob.

[Name removed]

20. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

21. raising the income level at which people have to begin paying state taxes

"raising the income level at which people have to begin paying state taxes" - does that mean he is lowering taxes for poor people? No wonder the conservatives are mad. Only rich people should get their taxes cut.