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Adam Meister
Baltimore Politics ExaminerAdam Meister's scribe spreads his innate enthusiasm for all things Baltimore--and, in particular, the political inner workings of his beloved hometown.
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Baltimore Politics Examiner
Separation Of Church And State Does Not Exist In Baltimore
Adam Meister - Baltimore Politics Examiner
Drive around Baltimore and you will notice that there are a lot of churches. Some are in large magnificent buildings while others are in run down storefronts or rowhouses. Most of them are tax exempt in one way or another. Many are considered 501(c)(3) organizations. 501(c)(3) organizations are not allowed to give political endorsements or aid to specific candidates. This law is ignored in Baltimore. Most of the so-called "serious candidates" for local office attend services every Sunday during campaign season. It is an unofficial rule of Baltimore campaigning to befriend as many local pastors (who usually live outside of Baltimore) as possible. They give you the support of their followers and you eventually reward them once you are in power.I have no problem with churches collecting money to support prayer services and activities that pertain to goodwill, charity, and worship. I do have problems with churches that become huge tax exempt businesses that suck money away from parishioners. I have a problem with religion taking control of government and the elimination of the separation of church and state inside of Baltimore.
Do you find it troubling that supposedly neutral religious institutions yield so much power in a city so desperate for tax revenue?
Here are some interesting links about the power and powerful members of one particular church:
- Church Power
- Three new members nominated to the board by O'Malley
- Faith-based community in Baltimore wants a new role in real estate
Topics: taxes , Churches , elections
More from Baltimore Politics Examiner
Will Baltimore Ever Be Released From the Stranglehold of Churches?
Adam Meister - Baltimore Politics Examiner
Government should not be in the business of strengthening the control of religious institutions over the citizens. In Baltimore we see federal, state, and local leaders rewarding organizations controlled by religious institutions with tax payer money... Read More
Topics: Churches
The Failure Of SCOPE And Project 5000 Haunts Reservoir Hill And Baltimore
Adam Meister - Baltimore Politics Examiner
Around 2001 the city came up with an ambitious idea to acquire 5000 properties in Baltimore and sell them to people who would do productive things with them. A part of this project was something called SCOPE- Selling City Owned Property Efficiently. ... Read More
Topics: Martin O'Malley , SCOPE
More Bond Bill Funding Controversy- Nathaniel McFadden
Adam Meister - Baltimore Politics Examiner
Yesterday I wrote about a general assembly bond bill sponsored by Senator Catherine Pugh. Today I will analyze a bond bill sponsored by Senator Nathaniel McFadden. Senator McFadden sponsored a bond bill for the Mary Harvin Transformation Center.... Read More
Topics: Martin O'Malley , Nathaniel McFadden
Catherine Pugh Sponsored A Bond Bill That Benefited The Organization Of A Political Contributor
Adam Meister - Baltimore Politics Examiner
Yesterday I wrote about a Catherine Pugh newsletter that mentioned bond bills that brought money back to the 40th district. One bond bill that Senator Pugh sponsored caught my eye. At this link you can view all of the bond bill requests that the General... Read More
Topics: Catherine Pugh
The Never Ending Campaign
Adam Meister - Baltimore Politics Examiner
Two weeks ago I was at a Friends of Druid Hill Park event in Druid Hill Park. Toward the end of the event 40th district representatives Senator Catherine Pugh and Delegate Barbara Robinson showed up. The area near Druid Hill Park is in the 40th district... Read More
Topics: Catherine Pugh , Barbara Robinson