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Weighing in from the conservative/religious viewpoint, my denomination, the SBC, has been heavily involved to date providing over 54,545 volunteer days and 4,704,413 meals. They certainly didn't need or ask for the government's help with any of this. As a Christian, I believe that it is my mandate, my joy, my fulfillment, my faith to help those that are in need. Neither the government nor their money is not included anywhere in that process.


And that's what I like to see, and what will keep donations coming in to your cause. I suspect if the SBC were collecting taxpayer dollars on a large scale to pay their volunteers, that might dilute the message you're trying to send, and reduce the amount of private donations that come from people who think you're doing the right thing.
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I agree with Tony that if the government wants to acknowlege faith-based charities, they should continue to offer tax exemption, so that money given in the name of God, Allah, Spaghetti Man, etc... goes where it is meant to go. That's it.



Yeah, I thought you would agree. You're too damn reasonable. The very point of my post was that, in doing what they're doing, FEMA is going to reward only the organizations that really don't deserve the money, not that anyone deserves it.

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As far as the perceived "proselytization," I can only tell you what I experienced at the 3 distribution centers I visited. If handing people a Bible with their supplies and having chaplains and counselors on hand to answer questions is offensive, it is only to those removed from the situation. Those needing relief seemed to recognize that we did what we did in the name of Jesus Christ and expected no less. There was no pushiness, or high pressure speaches or anything of that nature, simply help and a gift.



If you're not receiving FEMA money, and your only Government benefit is tax-free status, I have absolutely zero problem with you handing out a Bible. It's a shame other religious groups don't have the same convictions.
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- Tony C
my empeg stuff