[npsimons]

There's a name for when the churches ran the world: it's called the dark ages for a reason. I'd rather not have to rely on someone's (supposed) piety on top of the questionable scruples of the church to render assistance. What happens if you're an outspoken critic of the church or (heaven forfend) a "sinner" homosexual? At least when the Tea Party criticizes the government, the government doesn't pull the welfare checks of its members.

[maratd]

> At least when the Tea Party criticizes the government, the government doesn't pull the welfare checks of its members.

Nope, they just nail them with a tax audit. Power corrupts regardless of who wields it.

Also, I wasn't proposing theocracy. Read what I wrote again. You weren't paying attention.

[Vivtek]

They nail them with a tax audit when there's reason to believe they're cheating on their non-profit status. And if they have nothing to hide and their accounting is honest, then an audit shouldn't be a problem. Right?

[maratd]

> And if they have nothing to hide and their accounting is honest, then an audit shouldn't be a problem.

Are you one of those people who support the NSA? I really didn't think I'd meet one on HN.