Say “No” to Amendment 8

In Nov. one of the issues on the ballot will be Amendment 8, which is a repeal of the Blaine Amendment prohibiting the use of taxpayer dollars for the aid of church or religious institutions.

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On the surface, it seems like a good idea to let churches and religious organizations receive public dollars for performing things such as education, medical and charity work that are normally the responsibility of the public anyway. If we approve amendment #8, we will be ceding control and oversight of church activities to the government. Government cannot and should not use public dollars without appropriate controls. So, acceptance of the government financial assistance must come with strings attached. Our religious institutions should not be controlled by the government, nor should their belief system, their freedom of speech nor their ability to display their faith. This Amendment might sound like a good thing but in reality it will spell the loss of freedom of religion. And it will place yet another American institution under the umbrella of the government. Say “No” to Amendment 8. Verna Rock Port Charlotte, FL

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