If we (in the U.S.) shall not establish a national religion, why is it OK to tax for social purposes?

Question

Isn't the creation of a social tax, and therefore a social and moral "obligation", really an establishment of a religious POV? Isn't it requiring and forcing all people to follow the Judeo-Christian, Islamic, and other religious teachings that direct their followers to "tithe" to the less fortunate?

So does that mean it's OK to establish a "little" bit of these religions if it's "well intentioned"?

What about people who don't believe in tithing, who believe that "God helps those who help themselves", or think such charitable practices are better left to individuals through their own religious beliefs, as much or as little as they wish? Is it just, "TOO BAD, this is the religion we've established and you MUST OBEY?"

I'm all for helping the poor and less fortunate. I just don't understand how these taxes aren't a violation of the Establishment clause of the Constitution.

F.D.R. was the president who read from the bible on the radio every week in fireside chats, right?

Answer 1

It is unconstitutional to spend money on special interests, but that's never stopped election buyers. Amity Shlaes, author of "The Forgotten Man: A New History of the Great Depression," does cover the origin of the issue (FDR, no surprise there) in the latest issue of "Imprimis," entitled "The Legacy of the 1936 Election."

Answer 2

So your appyling religion to economics and political social structure? It is not charitable, it is seen as the best way to make the country efficient and strong. We have taxes to keep people who can't afford things off the street. Take a look at countries where the poor are not looked after and see what it has done to their country. It's neither pretty or healthy for the country as a whole. Having more citizens happy, educated and healthy creates a stronger nation. It has very little if anything to do with religion.

Answer 3

The Constitution expressly authorizes spending to improve the general welfare which would authorize some form of "social spending."

To paraphrase a quote I read a long time ago, "It is possible to separate religion from government, but it is not possible to separate morality from politics." Religion informs the moral views of most people. While it is wrong to force people to belong to a particular church, pay taxes to support a church, or engage in the rituals of a church, it is appropriate for people to give appropriate weight to their personal views of what is right and wrong behavior in enacting legislation.

From a personal standpoint, I prefer a better explanation of why something is right or wrong than God (or the Bible) says so. But it is perfectly appropriate to enact legislation designed to create a better and more just country.

Answer 4

It is not.
Congress gets away with it because they have people thinking they can take care of them better than the citizens can.

A mandatory Federal tax for any social purposes is completely un-constitutional. Social issues should be decided by the states

Answer 5

NO, Freedom of Religion and Freedom from Religion is Constitutional Establishing a religion is Unconstitutional, I want to you understand that God and man's Law are Separate and Equal Powers.

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