Trump says churches should get FEMA funds for hurricane relief

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Reuters

SEPTEMBER 8, 2017 / 8:15 PM / UPDATED AN HOUR AGO
Reuters Staff


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Friday that churches in Texas should be able to receive money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for helping victims of Hurricane Harvey.

Trump tweeted: “Churches in Texas should be entitled to reimbursement from FEMA Relief Funds for helping victims of Hurricane Harvey (just like others)”.

Trump’s tweet followed a lawsuit filed by three Texas Churches seeking federal aid to repair severe damage to their structures by Harvey. It was not clear whether the churches had provided aid to victims.

In the complaint filed on Monday in federal court in Houston, the Texas churches said they would like to apply for aid but it would be “futile” because FEMA’s public assistance program “categorically” excluded their claims, violating their constitutional right to freely exercise their religion.


Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-storm-harvey-churches-trump/trump-says-churches-should-get-fema-funds-for-hurricane-relief-idUSKCN1BK01A?rpc=401&

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[Angry Dragon]

1. So, they do not want to pay taxes but they want tax dollars

they pay god money every week, maybe he could help them out

[BigmanPigman]

3. Ditto!

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

9. +1,000

If they want to "freely practice their religion," then let them dig into their own pockets (or donations of others) to pay for their charitable acts. I don't think it says in the Bible, "Thou shall help the needy and then get FEMA to pay for it."

It would be nice to get some of that sweet, free government money to build that new church addition, though.

I agree, Rev. Osteen would be first in line with his hands out, ready to grab every dollar he could. An being very righteous in justifying it.

[Angry Dragon]

18. THANK YOU

I have been to Palm Springs .... enjoyed it
did some walking in the Aqua Caliente Reservation

[NCjack]

33. Their rewards await them in heaven. That's reward enough. nt

[RKP5637]

27. Oh, but they pray away the storms and gays. Idiots. n/t

[onenote]

34. Paying taxes is not a prerequisite for FEMA relief

There are a variety of non-profit, non-tax paying entities that get FEMA relief.

[Angry Dragon]

36. such as??

[onenote]

37. Here's a partial list

Private schools;
Child care centers;
Libraries, museums and zoos;
Community centers;
Disability advocacy and service providers;
Homeless shelters and rehabilitation facilities;
Social and human services organizations for children, youth and adults; and
Senior citizen centers.

[Doreen]

2. The first church it will go to is Osteen's church.

Be nice to know that far right bible thumping baptists will be able to decide if you are worth any help at all.

[Virtual Burlesque]

38. Don't forget now.

Give plenty to the Mendels and the Abernathys, they are regularly tithing members; but give nothing to the Snees, they don't tithe and they don't attend.

[Grassy Knoll]

4. Throw The Money In The Air...

..Whatever God Catches, She Should Keep.

Man Made A God
Man Made Money

[SergeStorms]

5. Ahhhhhh........

not only no, but HELL NO!

Tell me you want to give Osteen my tax dollars. Go on, you son of a bitch. TELL ME!

[benld74]

6. No Don No

[Purveyor]

7. Related: Will Trump Change FEMA Rule Barring Aid To Synagogues?

For Houston’s devastated synagogues, government funds to rebuild after Hurricane Harvey may not come.

The historic flooding that has brought death and terror to parts of Texas this week has damaged an untold number of houses of worship, including at least two synagogues.

Government rules could bar those holy sites from receiving government rebuilding grants that are available to other not-for-profits.

“We’re working on the issue,” said Nathan Diament, executive director of the Orthodox Union Advocacy Center, which has pushed for years to change the rule.

Read more: http://forward.com/news/381385/will-trump-change-fema-rule-barring-aid-to-synagogues/

[RKP5637]

28. Oh, surely bet he's thinking of only Right Wing diabolical evangelistic churches. n/t

[not fooled]

31. And mosques!

And I hope if dump gets this through that a wide variety of religions apply for the funds.

Satanists, too if applicable.

[Honeycombe8]

8. FEMA money for their own damages? Or for their help with victims?

Maybe that'd be fine...but then, they don't pay taxes. ???

[spiderpig]

10. From our wallets to Osteen's pockets

No thanks

[trusty elf]

14. .....

[dalton99a]

22. +1

[truthisfreedom]

11. Coming from a guy who doesn't pay taxes.

And wants his companies to suck on the government teat as well.

[Rollo]

12. But only after Mar-A-Lago gets its share of FEMA relief funds...

Sad!




.

[susanna]

13. Pay taxes to begin with, get relief from natural disaster spending.

Otherwise NOPE.

[Virtual Burlesque]

39. If a Hurricaine can blow their church down, it must mean ...

... that God thinks they're not too good to fail.

[Skittles]

15. fuck that

let them pray for the money

[Raven123]

16. another reason to end their tax exempt status

How does,this differ from an individual church that is a victim of fire, whether accidental or intentional?

The last I heard one does not need a building in order to pray. Jesus did some of his best work without the benefit of four walls and a roof.

I am not trying to be heartless, but I think those who want public support in times of distress should contribute to that system of support. I believe this for all non-profits, not just churches.

[sinkingfeeling]

17. Fine when they start paying taxes.

[JawJaw]

19. Will these payments be available to mosques too, Mr President? n/t

[Maxheader]

20. Cheetos

never really thinks about his decisions...just as long as
they are controversial and the light shines on him
is fine.

[RKP5637]

29. Yep, that's all he thinks about is me me me! n/t

[Maxheader]

21. Cheetos

never really thinks about his decisions...just as long as
they are controversial and the light shines on him
is fine.

[Bengus81]

23. How about people who opened their homes and used their own boats Donnie??

Going to start cutting them checks or does the cash run out after Osteen gets his??

[BlueIdaho]

24. Churches got flocks...

Fleece them.

[rickford66]

25. Aren't churches already paid for doing their job?

Don't they get contributions tax free to "act Christian" or at least "religious" like ?

[SharonClark]

26. LOL

[rockfordfile]

30. No. A crook/crooks trying to stealing public's funds.

[packman]

32. If they are good, God-fearing, pure churchgoers

God will protect their churches and them. Let the heavenly winds blow over them as a gentle breeze.

But if they are greedy, spiteful and be serpents who hiss out the Lord's words , may the heavenly winds crush them.

Should be interesting....

[Sunlei]

35. fema pays a max of 2,000. cash to flood home victims & low cost loans Can't churches afford their ow

own flood and building insurance? They are required to carry insurance coverage aren't they?

the 'supplies' churches pass out are donated aren't they?