Bush to Use Federal Money to Reimburse Churches
By Phillip Martin
During his address to the nation on Thursday night, President Bush said the following:
...The private fund-raising effort led by former Presidents Bush and Clinton has already received pledges of more than $100 million.
Some of that money is going to governors, to be used for immediate needs within their states. A portion will also be sent to local houses of worship to help reimburse them for the expense of helping others....
Personally, I think every single dime should go to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, and no charity -- religious or otherwise -- should receive reimbursements. Charity is about giving and expecting nothing in return. That is what I learned growing up in my Catholic Church. If some churches are asking for some money back, or if this is simply a play to the religious right...
That all remains to be seen, I guess, but I sure hope that's not the case. Hopefully, these reimbursements will only be used to continue purchasing food and setting up shelters for evacuees. I really hope we aren't redirecting money from food, shelter, and clothing drives so that Lakewood Church can expand their parking garage.
I've been looking for stories discussing this, but haven't found any. If anyone sees one, post in the comments section and let me know.
Posted by Phillip Martin at September 16, 2005 03:19 PM
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I think you aren't finding lots of criticisms because the expenditures by churches are high: the Muslims, Buddhists, Catholics, Presbyterians, Baptists and Lakewood are putting up $179,000 a day to cover costs to help those at the Dome. And over it all is the cloud of doubt about throwing money at Halliburton...I'd rather it went to Lakewood than to Bush's cronies!
