I failed to mention previously that it is not a "fixed" amount. He
makes sure he emphasizes AT LEAST an $80 offering. I'm sure he can show
where others have sent in $100, $125, even up to $400 or more and simply
"requested" a shortwave radio. So there is a MINIMUM amount, but not a
FIXED amount.

I agree that a 501 (C) 3 status is binding on the organization, much
more than on the government. Do you suppose the new link between tax
exempt organizations and charity that Mr. Bush brought out is intended
to bind that organization a bit tighter to the government? I'm sure it
saves the government a lot of money on the distribution end. It also
makes the organization feel good about what it is able to do. However,
I think it, in general, will get "used" to handling a certain volume of
moneys and will just be bound a bit tighter to the wishes of the
government. No man can serve two masters!

Al

===========

Jack Painter wrote:

"Al Patrick" wrote

He doesn't mention the tax angle at all. He emphasizes that it is an
OFFERING you are sending. Then, if you request it, he will send you a
radio so you can better hear his broadcasts or so you can provide a
means for a friend to hear his broadcasts.


One of the worst (in a long line of stupid things that America's church
leadership have done) was to make the churches beholden to the government.
This happened when they became "tax exempt". Ever since, you could argue
that there is a stonger state-and-church relationship than church-and-state.
There is nothing to separate when the government can control the financial
operations of the church, and that they do.