Bro. Hex

A: One shouldn't be discussed in church, and the other shouldn't be discussed at the dinner table. A: Yes, absolutely...... in fact it is both... or to be more precise... it fluctuates between the two. A: No, not really. .....Possibility barely enters into the calculus. When I am fluctuating in the "fact" direction .....(as opposed to the "opinion" direction), it is a near certainty that I am "wrong".

Very true. I only suggest "the pawn shop route", because my personal experience indicates that the pricing structure for custom work is "considerably more reasonable" at the pawn.

Here is all that is required: (1) Eliminate the attachment loop above the "C" in "Charity" (2) Add attachment loop between the "S" and the "A" of "SAINT" (3) Add attachment loop between the "T" and the "Y" of "CHARITY" (4) Add attachment loop below the "F" of "PRAY FOR US" You now have the center-piece ( medallion ) for a rosary. Since they claim to "do custom work", this should be "no problem"... If they, for some reason, cannot handle this alteration, buy the medallion anyway, and contact your local pawn shop that works with a goldsmith. Pawn shops re-size rings "all the time", so any pawn shop "worth its salt" should have such a contact.

And mine too, Stormy.

A Brontosaurus

Well, it sure didn't take long for this topic to "GO POLITICAL"... But, then again, the "topic itself" is political. We aren't supposed to be engaging in this kind of speech here... ...sound familiar to anyone besides me ?????

You Brits are fortunate blokes, what with your Trade Descriptions Act of 1968... We Yanks have nothing comparable on our "national scene".

THANK YOU, BrDevon !!!

Amen to that, Brother Al.

For a dyslexic, guidance, I think you have done a fine job, indeed. And your vision for the possible work of "future generations" shows both foresight ... and Wisdom. Best regards, Hex

Handsome doggie!

What does Erectile Dysfunction have to do with police tactics???On second thought...never mind...

I think, hyper, that it is exceedingly rare for an entire organization (an entire police department, or P.D.) to behave in such fashion. Granted, it is possible, if those individuals at the top of a P.D. embrace such an attitude, but even in such cases, a few "good" officers will get recruited, if only by accident). More likely is that certain individual officers (or a squad) will exhibit such fascist behavior. The problem always comes down to "individual human beings" (sometimes in "key" positions) who lack the necessary moral integrity to uphold the law without bias or prejudice, and without unnecessary "force".What we really need (IF indeed we really need such a thing.... which I doubt), is a P.D. without humans in it.

Yes, Rabbi.... And we each must re-learn everything that we thought we had learned during the past three days.... On the third day the forum shall rise again in great glory and splendor Let us rejoice and be glad for that which was lost has been found (we hope)

I would put a "Curb Your Dog" sign on the front lawn, and if he ignores it, I would take a photograph of the "offense" and then call the police... but that's just me.

I am not doubting you, Stormy, but tell me please.... Are these guys the same "Band" as in "Bob Dylan and The Band" ??? (Yes, I know, my age is showing!)

Hi Von, When I first joined this forum (about 5 years ago) yours was a regular voice here. I hadn't learned "the lay of the land", and was under the impression that you were one of "the organizers" of the forum...an official of some sort. I think it was because you usually had something worthwhile and cogent to say. I don't do weddings... at least I haven't thus far. I only answered this post because I saw your name, and wanted to let you know that "I miss your smiling face" (so to speak). Don't be gone so long next time! Hex

"Churches that meet the requirements of IRC section 501©(3) are automatically considered tax exempt and are not required to apply for and obtain recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS" . You are technically correct, and I am technically wrong. For me, the significant portion of your source-information is the portion that says "that meet the requirements of 501 © (3)"... If you never claim to meet those requirements, then you are not automatically included. . So , rather than it being a matter of requesting tax exempt status, it appears to be a matter of claiming entitlement to that status by "stating that your organization meets the criteria". Nevertheless, the Church which I serve as a corporate officer has never held tax exempt status simply because we have never "claimed entitlement" to it. We are not tax-exempt at the federal level simply because have never "told the government" that we meet the requirements of 501 © (3) [and we DO meet them]. So, from our point-of-view, such status "is not automatic" in the normal sense of that word. But I do thank you for that technical reference (Source: The IRS of course...http://www.irs.gov/p...s-pdf/p1828.pdf page 3 ) which does say "automatic" quite clearly.

That's an interesting belief that you have there. But I happen to know that you are incorrect, as I am a corporate officer in a Church that is a regular corporation, incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio, and we are NOT tax exempt at the federal level, and never have been. We didn't request anything. We didn't get any "pre-determination". We simply chose not to request Section 501 © (3) status. (One has to request that status) We chose not to make that request because of our preference for unfettered free speech. Contrary to your claim, tax-exempt status is NOT automatic.

That is absolutely correct. Rosa knew the risk she was taking, and decided to act in accordance with her beliefs, no matter the consequence. In short, Rosa was a courageous and principled adult, willing to risk all for something she believed in.

No one is forcing the religious institution to claim tax exemption. If the institution chooses to seek a tax exemption, then it must play by the rules that apply to that exemption. If it wants to say whatever it wishes from the pulpit, then it chooses to pay the price for its actions. That is what adults do. If it "wants what it wants when it wants it" and without paying the price... then it is behaving precisely like a two-year old.

Mark is correct. Political contributions are not a tax deductible expense for corporations.

I find the "prosperity gospel" to be offensive to my sense of "right and wrong". For me, it is one of the best reasons I can think of to avoid all things "biblical".

Yeah, that one.

Congratulations, Dorian.... and thanks for "refreshing my memory" I haven't thought about that "coin" for years... it had the image of an old crow on it. Now I have to figure out what I did with it.