(04-05-2015 01:23 AM)Owl 69/70/75 Wrote: You may or may not agree with or like Osteen, but I can guarantee you that there are thousands whose lives were broken but have found peace and meaning and inspiration from his ministry. I know a bunch of them.
I'm not a huge fan, and I think Victoria is a first-class *itch, but I can't fail to give him credit either. I have no problem with his success. Then again, I'm not a greedy and envious person.
Ever notice how greedy people simply can't stand to see someone else have success?
If someone wants to give Joel Osteen money, no problem. I just don't see why I should pay HIGHER taxes and HIGHER water bills simply because he isn't paying property taxes.
Nor do I see any benefit from tax benefits for donations to him either.
For me, its also an issue with Country Clubs, etc. too.
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You know, it might help the standing of some of these groups if they weren't tax deadbeats. And sure, there are some (legitimate) charitable activities going on, but any charity that can buy private jets and 53 million dollar private houses isn't efficient. And if we're subsidizing them, then why can't we see their detailed financials? Transparency would be useful.
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By the way, Annise Parker voted to give Osteen a good deal on his new 'church' (the old arena for the Houston Rockets). Why? Because it was a good deal for the taxpayers (the city would have to run it at a loss otherwise). There's really no hate here for him. He just needs to pay his property taxes and his water bill. He certainly can afford it.
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For me, if you want a private club or a church (which is a private club), fine. But don't ask me to indirectly subsidize it. With government, you can vote for a new one. I have no vote in the River Oaks Polo Club or Second Baptist Church.