Friday I mentioned that Senator John Thune is using education as a prop to attack the Affordable Care Act. That insincere ploy fits the Republican Party view of repeal of the Affordable Care Act as a fundraising tool rather than a viable policy goal.
Michael Larson steps forward to emphasize the point by listing a number of bills that Senator Thune has opposed that would have spent more money on education. After-school programs, loan forgiveness for math and science teachers, Pell Grants... nope! Not worth Senator Thune's vote!
But hey, as a member of the House, Thune did vote for No Child Left Behind... and we all know how well that program worked. And just last year, Senator Thune was willing to support a five-year, $550-million increase in federal funding for education... abstinence-only education, which works about as well as No Child Left Behind, and which Thune would have paid for by diverting money from the Affordable Care Act.
Education isn't that strong of any issue for a Senator or Senate candidate; South Dakota's education funding problem is a lack of state commitment, not a lack of federal funds. But if Thune runs again in 2016, his opponents will want to bookmark Thune's inability to vote for effective education policy.
Education needs to be real world based rather than everyone teaching to a test. Get kids to enjoy reading. Let them figure out how math helps them get the best deal. Teach them to write thank you notes and resumes and cover letters before subjecting them to research papers.
Good News for John Thune! Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield will be a huge new asset to the Obamacare in South Dakota and Iowa. Ooopers, I meant, that this would not be such good news for the Thune Bird. More competition and more access for South Dakotans and I am sure he will be soon praising that decision of the insurance company, won't he?
It seems like everyone can see the advantage of Obamacare but the right wing nuts, the same crowd that gave us Iraq.
Cory, more money hasn't helped education neither. Crony Capitalists are behind both Obamacare and Common Core. Both are here to stay. The corporatists are only getting us to fight about these things in order to distract us from the truth.
the argument that you can't throw money at education has always been an excuse to do nothing. I'm sure that there has been money wasted when it comes to education but to do nothing is not the answer.
I don't call Pell Grants, after school programs and so on as wasted money.
For me the jury is still out on Common Core but the ACA has been a lifesaver for me. I agree Steve that the ACA, thankfully, is here to stay.
"I agree Steve that the ACA, thankfully, is here to stay."
As is the entire Neo-Marxist/Neo-Fascist agenda. Sorry you agree with corporate Crony Capitalism. I guess the corporate medical establishment has bought you off with Obamacare. By the time comes that we learn can't afford it no more than what we can afford Common Core, it will be too late.
so what do we do with people who don't have insurance and can't get insurance? Tough luck?
What's going to happen when insurance becomes so expensive only the rich will be able to afford it? Tough luck?
Isn't helping the less fortunate the Christian thing to do?
Bought me off? I've had health insurance for the last 6 months because of the ACA. That's not being "bought off." That's called surviving.
Grrr, Steve! I am not a fascist. I agree that "merely throwing money" does not solve problems, but I also recognize that additional resources often make possible additional action for better results. The logical conclusion of your statement is that we shouldn't spend money on anything.
But the point here is what Senator Thune is saying. He proposes a bull to exempt schools from the ACA, because he says complying with the ACA costs money and the schools need that money to do other things. But when we ask him for other money to help schools, he turns to your rhetoric and says giving schools money doesn't produce results. Senator Thune is contradicting himself.
The last thing in the world that the Thune Bird wants is public education to succeed. That would mean that government works and he only wants government to work when it lines his pockets with corruption.
When you speak to people that are so adamant against public schools and access to healthcare through our taxes, you soon find that they either work for the government or are dependent on the government for those needs presently.
Cory, I think there is a difference between not spending money and increased spending. Reducing costs so that you don't need increased tax dollars is the Thune position. You can support education without adding more money, that is the point that I am making.
Cory, your role is to support the Marxist side of the Hegelian dialectic that has synthesized into the current Neo-Marxist/Neo-Fascist political system.
And yes Owen, you have been bought off. Christians are to take care of fellow believers, not promote the coveting of rich neighbors.
Jerry, Thune and his Chamber of Commerce buddies wants public education to succeed in providing human capital for the corporatists' global economy.
How big is your garden this year, Steve?
Sibby, that money you are talking about, education money, was never thrown at education in the first place. The money spent to educate students trickled in at just barely enough to actually keep pace with technology and the numbers of kids that wanted to learn.
South Dakota sees education no differently then a lot of other states do, get by as cheap as we can and stay almost even with the rest of the country. Instead of advancing educational opportunities, we choose to wait for the "Magic Christian " to spread some special dust that will fix the problem without added revenue. That just aint going to happen is it ?
The teachers in SD do a darn good job according to their students national rankings. More money wouldn't be a waste, it would provide the tools to advance education using techniques learned from others having success in the classrooms. Smaller class sizes, cources that require a student to use their brain first, before they reach for that iphone or tablet for the answers, and finally, letting teachers get back to the art of teaching. Stop forcing teachers to be referees, or babysitters, or cruse ship directors, let them teach. When there is a troublemaker in a class, give the teacher the right to say " get the hell out of my classroom and dont come back this year." Let those kid head on up to the people that get paied the big money, superintendents, and principles.
It's hard enough just to figure out the combination that unlockes a kids brain and lets them learn, that's what teaching should be, not those other things.
Give em more money, less in class and out of class responsibility that gets in the way of their teaching, and smaller class sizes. These things would lead to better class participation, an increase in overall GPA's, happier parents, and teachers that aren't stressed out from doing something that shouldn't have been part of the job description in the first place.
Let them teach.
The Blindman
If we would not have been bullrushed into the Iraq nightmare, we would have the funding without a problem. So where does the Thune Bird stand on this Iraq question of more involvement? Cut back on a couple of items that the pentagon does not want and problem solved.
The thinking that Christians should be caring for others is a noble thought, but the reality is that there 1. are not enough Christians to take care of fellow Christians or everyone else. 2. Not all Christians have the financial means to assist those who need help, 3. Not all Christians want to help with all the different types of needs, and 4. There are Christians who are in need of assistance.
When there are not enough Christians or otherwise to provide assistance, the government (city, state, and federal) needs to provide assistance.
How many Christians in South Dakota will donate, or donate enough money to keep the Human Services Center in Yankton open and providing services for those with chronic mental health issues? Or, provide financial assistance for those with disabilities who need people to assist them with completing everyday living tasks? Or, donate to every nursing home in South Dakota to make sure that the residents receive the care that they need?
There is a role in life that private donors have in caring for others, but when there is not sufficient amount of money to do that, the role of the government is to do that.
Steve: So if I'm not a Christian I shouldn't get help? I'm not coveting rich neighbors. I just want to be able to pay for insurance so I can live my life without worrying about going bankrupt. Or are the rich the only ones that should have insurance?
Bill: good post
Owen, if you are not a believer, then go ahead and covet. Good luck when your problems are beyond the current health system. But please stop saying that Christians should support coveting.
All Christians should support legalized cannabis as it is written that you should in your good book.
Doesn't matter if I'm a believer or not Steve. I'm a human being living in a country with the best health care in the world and one in which fewer and fewer people can afford it.
You're putting words in my mouth Steve. Never said that Christians should support coveting. Just saying Christians should help all peoples-not just the select Christians
Wasn't it dumbass dubya that illeglly started handing out federal dollars to christian organizations and weren't the churches covetous of federal funds?
Owen, you are right of course. I think Sibby may have overlooked these verses from the Bible:
http://www.openbible.info/topics/helping_the_poor
I saw nothing there that said Christians should only help Christian poor people. In fact, it is quite surprising to me how so many conservative "Christians" want food stamps cut, and oppose funding other programs earmarked to help the poor.
Perhaps they focus only on Revelation 2:20-23, and believe it best to kill all those who are not Christians along with their children? I think the helping the poor verses make a lot more sense.
bearcreekbat, there are those with ears but cannot hear and eyes but cannot see.
2 Thessalonians 3:
6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching[a] you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”
11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.
14 Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. 15 Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.
Sibby, I am surprised that you would quote Paul rather than the direct words the Bible reports coming from Jesus himself.
Check out Matthew 5, as those are the direct words from Jesus, as well as Matthew 6:1-4, Mathew 19:21, Matthew 25:34-46 . Also check out Luke 12:33, Luke 14:12-14, Luke 16:19-25 - more words directly from the mouth of Jesus.
It seems both dangerous and disingenous to cherry pick quotes from biblical folks other than Jesus when taking the position that the poor "should not eat."
With the Obamacare ACA, perhaps we can turn this soiled ship around regarding healthcare. http://io9.com/the-u-s-has-the-most-expensive-least-effective-health-1591403515/all
I can attest that if you want an appointment in the private sector, you better not be sick because your wait time is at least a month to month and a half out. You can go to urgent care and be seen for a lot more moolah, but for your so called private doctor, forgetaboutit for a while. The Thune Bird can continue to raise money from the ignorant that think we are number one, but our healthcare system is really number 2.
Thune has never been a supporter of public schools nor public school employees. He has no idea of the content of No Child Left Behind except that which his staff has told him that they have been told from the Koch supported right wing. Any time you see Thune's name and "public schools" in the same sentence, be leary of content.
Steve, it took me several years to overcome the belief that God/Jesus is a hostile being. The quote you use reminds me of the beliefs I had about God/Jesus.
I like to think that God/Jesus is more kind and forgiving of human imperfections, including those who are "unwilling to work," and wants people to be shunned. But maybe I am wrong, and God/Jesus really is a hostile being.
"Cory, your role is to support the Marxist side of the Hegelian dialectic that has synthesized into the current Neo-Marxist/Neo-Fascist political system."
Steve, we covet your marvelous ability to spew double-talk with the ring of philosophy or religion. But, I do wonder if Pepto Bismol would help with your verbal reflux condition.
'It seems both dangerous and disingenous to cherry pick quotes from biblical folks other than Jesus when taking the position that the poor "should not eat."'
The Bible does not say the poor shall not eat. It is referring to the lazy. It is those who have ears but cannot hear and eyes but cannot see who cherry pick the Bible, such as only quoting what Jesus said, and then twisting it out of context.
bearcreekbat, you forgot what Jesus said in Mark 12:41-44:
41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.
43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
Instead of promoting coveting among the poor, Jesus Christ honored the poor who also chipped. There is a difference between those who give to the poor and those who promote the idea that the poor should covet their rich neighbors property thru the force of government. Jesus included coveting among the wicked things in Mark 7:21-22:
21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.
Thou shalt not covet thy rich neighbors bought and paid-for lobbyists in Congress. Steve has covetousness all sewed up.
Douglas, that includes the insurance and corporate medical establishment lobbyists who were behind Obamacare. So yes, the Neo-Fascist corporatists are profiting from the Neo-Marxist's promotion of coveting. We need to use discernment and understand that there is an alternative to one side being right and the other side being wrong. It is entirely possible for both sides to be wrong.
Self reliance or moral hazard, Sib: is your garden going to get you and your lovely bride through the winter?
Steve, I do not understand how using tax revenues to aid the poor or to provide a decent education for poor children constitutes "coveting" anything. Perhaps you believe in anarchy and no government or taxation at all? Or do you advocate a government that taxes people and uses the proceeds to pay for wars against non-Christian groups?
Progressive taxation covets no ones' earnings. Rather, it asks each of us to pay our fair share of the cost of paying for policies our elected officials adopt. I would think someone who thinks he is a Christian would encourage public policies that are consistent with Jesus' fundamental teachings - he did not covet the rich, he disdained them and their wealth. He explicitly told them to give to the poor and needy.
And you appear to be fooled by the myth and lie that poor people are lazy. Instead, "More than 16 million children in the United States – 22% of all children – live in families with incomes below the federal poverty level." These are children, the same group that is hurt by Thune's anti-education votes. They're just kids, not lazy.
And many of these kids live in families where one parent or both parents are stuck in near minimum wage jobs, working but not able to earn enough to lift them out of poverty. A large percentage of the poor are sick or disabled, and cannot work. Many are elderly and retired, unable to work. Other elderly folks who are below the poverty guidelines try to supplement their meager SSA income by working at Walmart for minimum wage. Many people are unable to work because of serious family issues. The reasons are varied. The laziness argument is at worst premised on a complete myth and lie, and at best, based upon a tiny percentage of poor folks. Most of those who could be helped by adequately funded schools and welfare programs are neither lazy nor deserving to be shamed by being called lazy.
Here is a link to a study about why poor people do not work:
http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2013/09/why-the-poor-dont-work-according-to-the-poor/279900/
Lastly, you make some powerful arguments against what you call crony-capitalism. Are you "coveting" the riches these crony-capitalists have been able to acquire?
Actually, bearcreekbat, as usual you've put your finger on it. Sibby is constantly coveting, then accusing everyone else of it. Take Cory and PP's traffic for example. (He used to do the same thing on Mt. Blogmore.) Nobody comes to his blog, so he goes out and takes over other people's blogs, interrupting their otherwise interesting conversations to pander his paranoid, delusional, hyperbolic bullshit. He's a cyber beggar, always looking for a cyber handout. And if he doesn't get one, he cries like a baby.
The problem, Bill, is that people here engage him in pointless dialog. Follow him down the rabbit hole. Just ignore his comments - all of his comments - and he'll go somewhere else looking for attention. Don't look him in the eye. Just keep walking past.
Rorschach, you are absolutely right about not feeding the troll. I don't read his comments at all.
So-called progressive taxation exempts some from paying taxes while requiring others to pay higher rates. That is not fair, and is only justified by the concept of coveting your rich neighbors property for funding such things as education for your children. Why not educate your own children?
Jesus Christ did not tell the poor to have Caesar take from their rich neighbors and hand the money over to them. And I have not equated the poor being the same as the lazy. The Bible does direct Christians to take care of widows, the sick, and those who can't care for themselves. The Bible does not advocate that those people covet their rich neighbor's property. It is instead a sin. Non-believers can go ahead and advocate taking from the rich and giving to the poor thru the power of government all they want, but it is a Biblical error to argue that Jesus Christ advocated such.
If you want to deal with one of the main root causes of children living in poverty, then demand that the cultural Neo-Marxist indoctrination in our schools that has resulted in 40% of children not living with their fathers because feminist have labeled men as oppressors and are to be hated.
I am not surprised that you would defend both Neo-Marxism and Neo-Fascism in the same comment. They work hand in hand, despite the perception of the deceived that one is Democrat and the other is Republican. The Democratic, tax the rich Neo-Marxist promotion of coveting, helps create a big government that the Neo-Fascists, who control the money, can make interest on the printed money as the welfare recipients give it to their corporations. I don't want their fake money. I only want more people to understand what is really going on. You guys think your are taxing the rich, but they make loopholes. The money is funded by debt that we are passing on to future citizens. That is immoral. Sad that there are so many fools who refuse truth.
"Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich."
-Napoleon Bonaparte
"If you want to deal with one of the main root causes of children living in poverty, then demand that the cultural Neo-Marxist indoctrination in our schools that has resulted in 40% of children not living with their fathers because feminist have labeled men as oppressors and are to be hated" [be removed.]
Steve, where did you get that quote from?!?
It fails to address the fact that some men do not want to be responsible for the children they helped to create. My father was one of those men. That left the financial, and otherwise, the responsibility of caring for my siblings and me squarely on the shoulders of my mother.
South Dakota: Land of Infinite Vertigo.
Oh, so you're putting the blame on women, then? Sibby is always playing the blame game.
What does the bible say about accusation, blaming, incrimination, etc?
Spare me the indoctrination blather, Sibby.
I always like that SD game, Larry. How about South Dakota - Land of Ignorant Vicinity.
Jenny, Cory is a feminist and is not female. There are many females who are not feminists. Sad that you insist on user gender to divide and promote hate. Such is a symptom of cultural Neo-Marxist indoctrination.
JeniW, escellent point. There are many factors that contribute to children not living with their fathers. The point that I am making is that the cultural Neo-Marxist movement that came to America via the Frankfurt School during the 1930s has dramatically increased the percentage.
Redirect, Steve: the words you're saying do nothing to advance public discussion and action. John Thune is our Senator. John Thune votes against education. John Thune uses education as a prop to bash effective health coverage policy. We should call Thune out right now, pressure him to change his ways, work to dry up his campaign fundraising, and replace him in 2016. We need no cognac-sipping, hookah-bubbling philosophical hogwash to see those facts and the proper path of action.
South Dakota has some spectacular sunrises and sunsets, with a sky that speaks of possibility. Our children look at these and want to learn more about it all just like I did as a child. I did not have such a wonderful time in school, but I had great teachers who taught me that there was only possibilities on that horizon and gave me the tools to seek my way. I guess that the senior senator has his millions and thinks that no one else should have that opportunity. Corruption has made him shallow.
Thune is not yet South Dakota's senior senator, Jerry: just South Dakota's senior imbecile.
Duly noted Larry, the polisher did not earn that position, but he will inherit that with the retirement of Senator Tim Johnson.
Cory, funding indoctrination in the name of education is deceptive and in fact a malinvestment. In regard to Senator Thune, I have concerns that he is promoting the interest of those crony capitalist that are using education to further their self-interests. They are making billions on malinvestments that include new school buildings, football stadiums, fine arts buildings, and other projects that are happening right here in South Dakota funded by federal debt and debt at the city and school district levels.
My mission is to point this stuff out to both sides of the political spectrum. We can't find solutions without knowing what is really going on.
Here is something you will absolutely appreciate, it shows how wrong headed republican politics are and especially those of our corrupted blight here in South Dakota. The latest from HHS on premiums and facts http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2014pres/06/20140618a.html
Lordy, what news! Rolls over the republicans like Netherlands over Spain, yowsir.
Jerry those low premiums are subsidized with federal debt that ends up in the pockets of the crony capitalist that own the health care providers. This is not sustainable.
Steve, Neo-Marxist subversion is not really going on. I mock your wild-goose chases as heartily as would any audience of South Dakota voters.
John Thune is going on. Cynical Republican antipathy to public education is going on. The success of the Affordable Care Act that John Thune wants to undermine is going on.
Did the Thune bird play basketball in Murdo, South Dakota for all the years in high school?
It's called taxes, Sibby.
Steve, I am naive about who you consider neo-Marxist? Who are the elected officials for South Dakota do you consider neo-Marxist (city, county, state, and federal level.)
Jeni, Steve doesn't answer a lot of our questions. I've asked him plenty that he's never answered.
Neo-Marxism is primarily promoted by the Democratic Party and its supporters at all levels. It is often referred to as "Social Justice". It is based on the premise that the rich oppress the poor, male oppress women, and whites oppress colors. This was adapted from Marx's original class warfare political philosophy. Antonio Gramsci is credited with the idea, and then was adopted by the German Frankfurt School. Hitler chased those members out during the 1930s. They came to America and was welcomed by John Dewey as they set up shop at Columbia University. That is the government school subversion happened. Sorry Cory, but denials will not change history. The 60s cultural revolution mainstreamed the movement. Today it is referred to as postmodernism.
Jenny. sorry that I do not always have the time to respond to each and every comment. I don't do this full time.
Does anyone know where Thune went to high school? Did he graduate from Murdo? Anyone??
Thank you for providing your perception of Neo-Marxism, but you did not answer my question asking for specific SD elected officials whom you perceive as being neo-Marxist. Among the elected officials on the city, county, state, or federal government representing South Dakotans. Your generalization of Democrats is no different than if I were to called all Republicans as being power hungry wanna be dictators.
Here's a little ammo for Sibby's ramblings:
http://pieceofmindful.com/2014/05/29/our-prison-of-lies/
JeniW, sorry but I don't like to make things personal anymore. I speak in generalities with the hope that the discussion remains on issues and not personal attacks. I appreciate all here as the discussion is on how can things be better.
I respect your view, but it does tell me that your generalization of all Democrats is no different than if I make the generalization that all Republicans are power hungry dictators.
We both could be correct, or we could both be incorrect, but most likely incorrect.
BTW, there are some Republicans that I do like, and even if I don't agree with all their opinions.
JeniW, so you view generalizations as being 100% correct 100% of the time? Do all Democrats support Obamacare? Do all Democrats support abortion?
Sibby: do you believe Noah loaded baby dinosaurs into the ark?
Sibby, you tell us "So-called progressive taxation exempts some from paying taxes while requiring others to pay higher rates. That is not fair, and is only justified by the concept of coveting your rich neighbors property for funding such things as education for your children."
But then you cite Mark 12:41-44:
41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.
43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything-all she had to live on."
Doesn't this passage suggest that Jesus would look more favorably on the rich if they also put everything-all they had to live on? It seems to indicate Jesus would totally support progressive taxation.
Isn't the Bible a wonderful book, especially when cited to help people in need rather than hurt them.
Steve, you asked if I believe all generalizations as being 100% correct or incorrect all the time, no I do not believe in making generalizations, just as I not believe your generalizations about all Democrats. In other words, to me your generalization about all Democrats being neo-Marxists lacks credibility, just as I am sure you would believe my generalization about all Republicans being power hungry dictators lacks credibility.
There probably are some Democrats who are what you consider neo-Marxist, just as there probably some Republicans who are power hungry dictators.
Or, maybe you do believe that all Republicans are power hungry dictators and my would be generalization is 100% correct????
Real or not-Jane Fonda was other-wordly as Barbarella.
Barbarella is certainly more realistic than John Thune will ever be. John is more like Doctor Kildare and is just as fictional along with the crap he tries to peddle.
Dr Kildare-Richard Chamberlain,in real life is gay. Quite a surprise. Thune reminds me of Fake Noize bimbos-all fluff and no substance. They attract adolescent males because they know sooner or later there will be some wardrobe malfunction. That is where the average Fake Noize viewer's mind is. Thune looks like he could be cast as a rancher,but never a politician.
Bearcreekbat, the passage from Mark is the exact opposite of so-called Progressive taxation. The poor lady gave 100% based on her own free will, and not by the force of Caesar's government.
So JeniW, the rich don't oppress the poor? Christians don't oppress gays? Men don't oppress women? Whites don't suppress colors?
John Thune and Doctor Kildare are one in the same for a look a like contest. As far as the other, I don't know. There were certainly rumors about his old boss in the Senate though.
Larry, did you mean this excerpt from the link:
President Obama is just a guy pulled off the street and chosen to be president. He too has a mythology built around him, an aura. His purpose is to carry on the work of the fascistic elements in our society while pulling off the appearance as a black intellectual and liberal. His race is a key element in his con game. It was well understood by 2008 that the Bush scam had run its course, and a new one was needed to take his place.
Well, Steve, what can I say? I do not understand your point.
Are you saying that everyone who is rich suppress/oppress those who are poor, everyone who is Christian suppress/oppress people who are gay?
Of course, not all people who are rich oppress those who are poor, not all Christians oppress those who are gay, to write that is false.
Your saying that everyone who is a Democrat is a neo-Marxist would be like my saying all Republicans are power hungry dictators.
All you have to do is change your wording slightly. Just write something like "there are some Democrats who are neo-Marxist." Just as there are probably some Republicans, Tea Party members and Independents who are power hungry dictators.
BTW, did the the woman in the biblical story pay taxes, or did she make a donation to the temple? Were temples at the time ruled by the government and forced everyone to contribute money? If they were being forced, why didn't Jesus protest the use of force?
I apologize, my comment following my "BTW..." is not a good question, and I wish I could delete it, but cannot. Again, I apologize for that section of my comment.
JeniW, I will then ignore your question. I am happy that you applied discernment.
I also hope you have come to understand that it is not Biblical to promote coveting rich neighbor's property thru the power of the government's taxing authority. Those who promote that in the name of Christianity are apostate. I hope that more understand the error and stop following false teachers.
Sibby: i don't trust the author of that blog any farther than i could throw your lovely bride.
Larry, then you probably should not be providing links to it.
Tokarski has more brains in his middle finger than you have in your entire being, Sibby.