Fla. Christian Theme Park Dodges Property Tax

[Gold9472]

Fla. Christian Theme Park Dodges Property Tax

http://www.newsnet5.com/travelgetaways/4713706/detail.html

UPDATED: 1:49 pm EDT July 12, 2005

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A Florida judge has ruled in favor of a Christian theme park seeking an exemption from property taxes.

The Holy Land Experience in Orlando is operated by a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian ministry called Zion's Hope, which is devoted to converting Jews to Christianity.

It had been granted only limited exemptions for administrative and education facilities.

The Orange County Property Appraiser's office had denied the group's broader request in 2001, arguing the park was a tourist attraction rather than a church.

But Judge Cynthia MacKinnon said all of the park is tax-exempt.
In her ruling, the judge said Zion's Hope is using The Holy Land Experience "to spread what it considers to be God's word."

The park features scenes from ancient Jerusalem and biblical settings complete with costumed characters.

The $16 million, 15-acre park opened in 2001.

[jetsetlemming]

That's pretty funny. I'm not sure why it's relavent, though. Do you disagree with the ruling?

[Gold9472]

It's just more evidence of how religion is above the law.

[jetsetlemming]

Other groups get the same kinds of benifits, like charities.

[Gold9472]

Yes, but most charities give money away to "worthwhile" causes, whereas religious organizations take money. The Vatican is one of the richest organizations in the world.

[jetsetlemming]

Can't argue with you there. You could say, however, that the churches do give back to the people, spritually, but you'd have to be a believer for that.

[jetsetlemming]

I think I prefer the religous groups to the athiest ones, though. They use the law to agrivate and get their way over other people more often and in stupider ways.

[jetsetlemming]

And a lot of charities poorly manage their donations, especially government run charities, which average about 40 cents per dollar actually going to the cause, I think. It might be less.

[Gold9472]

You're absolutely right. There are several corrupt charities...

[Gold9472]

As far as believing in Religion... which religion are you referring to? The one that binds your family, the one that helps you get through the "tough times" with prayers, or... the one that says homosexuals aren't human beings, that pornography is not a form of expression, that abortion should not be allowed, etc...?

I put this amusement park in the category of the latter...

[jetsetlemming]

It's "non-denominational" :D I never said I agree with organized religon, I don't.

[jetsetlemming]

There are some Christian sects that are good for the people. There isn't really that much info in the article on this one, other than their non-denomninational, they convert jews to christianity, and they have a theme park.

[Gold9472]

It's not that I don't agree with Religion. I think people have a right to believe in whatever they want. However why should religions be tax exempt? And why can an amusement park be tax exempt, regardless of its' religious conotations? That doesn't sound right. Next, you're going to hear about TV stations that carry religious programming as being tax exempt...

[jetsetlemming]

My comment on some good religous stuff was because of your agruement about gay rights and abortion (which is something I disagree with).

[jetsetlemming]

They make things like that tax except because they are supposed to be "non-profit", and can't afford to pay taxes. Thats why charities are tax exempt, too. It's not because they are religous.

[Gold9472]

My comment on some good religous stuff was because of your agruement about gay rights and abortion (which is something I disagree with).

What do you disagree with?

[jetsetlemming]

Abortion.

[Gold9472]

Abortion.

You don't think women should have the right to choose?

[jetsetlemming]

It annoys the hell out of me how pro abortion people call themselves "pro choice" like it's a women's rights issue. There are certain things NOBODY'S allowed to do, and killing is one of them.

[cheatachu72]

I concur^^

[Gold9472]

And it annoys the hell out of me when the religious right endorse a President, and a war when they're supposed to be "Pro-Life" which war is not.

A baby is not a "life" until it is born. When it becomes independent from the mother is when it becomes a "life". Killing a baby after birth is murder. Disposing of an unwanted, unborn fetus is not.

[Gold9472]

If you take away a woman's right to choose, you may as well take away a person's right to smoke, to drink, to have sex, etc...

[jetsetlemming]

Abortion has nothing to do with anyone's right to choose. After an embryo is created, it's got a whole person there, it just has to put the peices together. The fetus is seperate from the mother, it has it's own blood stream and everything. The mother just give it food and oxygen.

[cheatachu72]

the "right" to kill an unborn child is not the same as smoking, drinking or having sex...those issues deal with a person doing things to their own self/body...a fetus is another human...it has its own genetic code...

[jetsetlemming]

And people's rights to drink, smoke, and have sex ARE limited by law, just like abortions are. You can't have sex with anybody, they've got to be above the age of consent. You can't smoke anywhere, there are laws protecting public places from smokers, and you can't smoke under age, just like you can't drink underage or drink and drive.

[cheatachu72]

excellent point^_^

[jetsetlemming]

Stop complementing me, cheatachu. You're making me look conservative. :D

[cheatachu72]

haha, sorry then, I'll just stop trying to help you:P

[jetsetlemming]

I don't need your help. Stupid conservative religous person! j/k

[cheatachu72]

thanks, you're awesome too:P

[Gold9472]

However, in the privacy of my own home, I can do any of those things, anytime I want (with partner's consent)...

A woman's body is her's to do with as she pleases, including the unborn fetus growing inside her. The Government shouldn't have a say over what you do in private. Including if you privately decide to have an abortion.

[Gold9472]

If you take away a woman's right to choose, then you're essentially forcing her to use a coathanger. Not everyone who gets pregnant believes in "God".

[jetsetlemming]

You can't, because you still can't screw just anybody.

[Gold9472]

You can't, because you still can't screw just anybody.

Which is why I said with partner's consent.

[cheatachu72]

again, that's only true if you believe that a fetus is not a human life...

[jetsetlemming]

I wsa talking about the laws preventing you (an adult) from sleeping with a minor.

[cheatachu72]

which by all standards it is another human life...a fetus has its own genetic code separate from the mother

[Gold9472]

again, that's only true if you believe that a fetus is not a human life...

What's only true if you believe that a fetus is not a human life?

[cheatachu72]

What's only true if you believe that a fetus is not a human life?
A woman's body is her's to do with as she pleases, including the unborn fetus growing inside her.

[Gold9472]

I wsa talking about the laws preventing you (an adult) from sleeping with a minor.

I wouldn't want to sleep with a minor, and I'm happy that there are laws in place to prevent that kind of thing from happening. I'm sad that there have to be laws in place to prevent that kind of thing from happening. I would like to think that everyone is capable of knowing right from wrong, but unfortunately that's not the case.

People make mistakes, and a young girl, let's say 12 or 13 accidentally gets pregnant. She's obviously not in a position to take care of the baby, and doesn't want her parents to find out (something they are not obligated to know about). She should have the right to abort. Granted, she should also know better than to do something dumb like that, but as I said, people make mistakes. I would rather her abort, then bring the child up in a world it's not welcome. Why destroy two lives? Why make that girl live with the stigma of an "unwed mother"?

What about a woman who's told that if she has a baby, it could kill her? Shouldn't she have the right to save her own life?

[Gold9472]

A woman's body is her's to do with as she pleases, including the unborn fetus growing inside her.

And that's right. It doesn't have a social security number. It doesn't have a birth certificate. It doesn't have fingerprints. It doesn't even have a name. That's because it's not alive yet. It can't think, and do you know how I know that? Because I don't remember a damn thing before being born...

[cheatachu72]

do you remember being a baby?? if so you're better than most...but does that mean we weren't thinking?? no...
but an unborn child (fetus) has it's own genetic code separate from its mother...I've said that before, but it's true...having a separate genetic code and not the same one is proof that it's a separate being; a separate life

[princesskittypoo]

ok by your argument as to weather a human being is alive or not i wouldn't have been alive until i was 5 so your argument sucks gold. just the last stupid statement i heard actually... just cause you don't have memories doesn't mean you can't think or don't have brain patterns. but that wasn't the whole argument anyway...
the point started as to weather this theme park should have tax exempt status and it shouldn't. it's a theme park and it's going to attract enough people to make a profit as all theme parks do. weather it has some other agenda on it's mind or not.
as for abortions i am pro-life and pro-choice. as for the cercumstances. if a 12 year old girl gets herself in a bad way (pregnant) she should she have the option of having an abortion???? well lets think here where's she going to get the money for one first??? is this pregnancy going to affect her life??? yes, emotionally and physically.... for the rest of her life. she wasn't able to make the right decision for having sex why would she make the right decision for her self regarding abortion??? this is why adoption should be a better option. there are so many adults looking for and wanting kids. why in the world abortion is the first option for everyone i have no idea. adoption!!!! damn it is the way to go! if the birth is going to kill the mom or put her in extreme jeopardy then sure look into abortion. if the person was molested or had insestual relations with their father, uncle, brother... etc where the child will more than likely have abnormalities in place that would make it's life hell then i see no problem. it's not the choice i woudl make but i am not going to take that choice away from someone else.

now feel free to pick apart my statements as you wish :)

[cheatachu72]

I would rather her abort, then bring the child up in a world it's not welcome.
except that there are plenty of adults that are ready for the responsibility of raising a child who would give anything to have their own children that would gladly adopt any "unwanted" child...

[jetsetlemming]

And what about the stigma of being a mother who aborted her child? Don't you think that'd take an emotional toll? As it's only an opinion, on both sides wether the fetus is a living person or not, you can't base abortion laws on either sides point of view. You can't say abortion is alright just because it's not a person yet, because that's not a proven fact. Neither is that it's a person, though it looks to me like thats got far more evidence behind it. The way the government, or whomever it is in charge, as it will HAVE to be legislated, must be "better safe than sorry". If it is a person, you'd be killing a human being. If it isn't, you'd be letting it become one, in a modern world thats very acceptant of teen and unwed mothers, and with many would be parents all over America who can't have children of their own and are looking to adopt. Today, that kid's looking to have a pretty good life, even if it's mother puts it up for adoption. I agree, though, that there are circumstances where abortion would have to be legal, such as when it seriously threatens the mother's life.

[jetsetlemming]

Oh, and thank you, pkp. I agree with you now. You've changed my mind. :D

[jetsetlemming]

A theme park doesn't count as a non-profit organization, like an actual church would.

[princesskittypoo]

Oh, and thank you, pkp. I agree with you now. You've changed my mind. :D
what did i actually change your mind on?

[jetsetlemming]

Wether the park deserves tax excemption. Gold was right, for the wrong reasons. See that? Thats called an "open mind", kiddies, you might want to try it. That means you're the kind of person that actually responds to LOGIC! Can you say logic? :D

[Gold9472]

Um, my earliest memory is from a few months old. ;)

[jetsetlemming]

I'm pretty sure I can remember being 2. I'm sure cheatachu can remember farther back, as she's still about the height she was when a toddler! :P j/k, she's grown an inch or two. And she wears big shoes! :D

[Gold9472]

Are you guys married?

[jetsetlemming]

No, not again! We're just friends. I used to hit on her but she doesn't like me like that (I asked her best friend).

[jetsetlemming]

That's not the first time we've been accused of that.

[cheatachu72]

No, not again! We're just friends. I used to hit on her but she doesn't like me like that (I asked her best friend).
you did?O_o; wow, that's news to me^^;;;

[jetsetlemming]

What? It's not like I have cooties or anything.

[jetsetlemming]

Just ask... ah, never mind. I"m pretty sure none of your friends would vouch for me. :P

[cheatachu72]

What? It's not like I have cooties or anything.
wow you don't? again, that's news to me!:P (j/k)

[jetsetlemming]

wow you don't? again, that's news to me!:P (j/k)
Fine, I don't like you anymore! Hmmph. :P

[princesskittypoo]

i always have an open mind. usually that is. you could probably persuade me to beleive any argument if you put forth the right arguments.... i'm a little bummed today though so i probably won't be swayed eigther way. i tend use the argument "because i said so" when i'm bummed. no logic in that one.

[cheatachu72]

Fine, I don't like you anymore! Hmmph. :P
I'm hurt! *goes off to cry*

[princesskittypoo]

hey what'd i say about being nice... kiss and make up you two! :)

[jetsetlemming]

I'd be willing to, but she wouldn't. :D

[cheatachu72]

I'd be willing to, but she wouldn't. :D
you sure about that?*wink, wink* (just kidding!!)

[princesskittypoo]

yey a love match! :)

[jetsetlemming]

I feel used now.

[jetsetlemming]

Stop playing with my heart, cheatachu!

[cheatachu72]

I was joking!!
dang, now you've made me feel bad/guilty...:(

[jetsetlemming]

I was trying to be silly, but if I get some action out off guilt, I'm happy... :hump:

[jetsetlemming]

j/k

[jetsetlemming]

:HappyWave

[princesskittypoo]

I was trying to be silly, but if I get some action out off guilt, I'm happy... :hump:
lol at least you were honest!

[jetsetlemming]

OH, I'm always honest. Which is why I'm not gonna get any action out of this.

[cheatachu72]

I was trying to be silly, but if I get some action out off guilt, I'm happy... :hump:
dorkface:P

[jetsetlemming]

See what I mean?

[jetsetlemming]

*sigh* so lonely.

[cheatachu72]

*sigh* so lonely.
huh? I'm so confused...(as always)

[jetsetlemming]

How is that a confusing statement?

[cheatachu72]

How is that a confusing statement?
I mean where did that come from??
and no one is lonely when I'm around!^___^

[jetsetlemming]

You're not around, darling. You're away.

[cheatachu72]

I'm everywhere remember?

[jetsetlemming]

If your everywhere, where do I look to see you?

[cheatachu72]

I'm invisible

[jetsetlemming]

Then how come the last time I took pictures, you (or at least part of you, heh heh) managed to get into almost every picture, that day in Ag?

[cheatachu72]

I didn't try to! you just couldn't resist:P I don't blame you, though...no one can resist me! haha

[jetsetlemming]

I know I can't. Except now I can 'cause I moved away from you. :D So there!

[cheatachu72]

I'm sure you wouldn't feel that way if you knew I was standing right behind you!*stalk, stalk*

[jetsetlemming]

*jumps* how are you posting online then? There's no computers behind me.

[cheatachu72]

I'm all powerful! I can do it with my mind

[jetsetlemming]

Prove it.

[cheatachu72]

how?

[jetsetlemming]

Give me some food. I'm hungry!

[cheatachu72]

*sends you food*^_^

[jetsetlemming]

Thank you. I accept your omnipotence now. Not your omnisenteince, though. Sorry, kid. :D

[cheatachu72]

isn't it "omnisentience"??

[jetsetlemming]

How dare you correct me. :P

[cheatachu72]

I'll correct whoever I darn please^^

[jetsetlemming]

You do already. It's not a very good trait. :P

[cheatachu72]

you're not a very good trait!

[jetsetlemming]

I'll give you not a very good trait, right in the mouth!

[cheatachu72]

THAT'S MY LINE!! (so is right in your face/eye):P you quoted me! therefore I win again! haha! I always win:D

[jetsetlemming]

aw, be quite *licks yogurt container* That things growing mold. You really should throw it out. *throws up*

[cheatachu72]

I used my all powerful magic to preserve the original container...i dunno what container you're licking, but it's not mine! (thank God:P)...and also you didn't lick the container for the right phrase...it's only if you're denying something:P lol

[jetsetlemming]

I don't care.

[jetsetlemming]

How's that for a denial?

[cheatachu72]

haha

[princesskittypoo]

*wants to lick a yogurt container* :hump:

[jetsetlemming]

See what kind of tragedy happens when we expsose our inside jokes to the public! Want to talk about boating and smiling and genecons and coffee next!? Jeez, cheatachu, show some self control. :P

[princesskittypoo]

*wants to lick the yogurt container still*

[jetsetlemming]

*wants to watch*

[cheatachu72]

See what kind of tragedy happens when we expsose our inside jokes to the public! Want to talk about boating and smiling and genecons and coffee next!? Jeez, cheatachu, show some self control. :P
haha! what self control? I have no self control^^;;;

[cheatachu72]

Want to talk about boating and smiling and genecons and coffee next!?
let's^^ lol

[jetsetlemming]

We'd need a dictionary sized book to explain all our inside jokes.

[cheatachu72]

We'd need a dictionary sized book to explain all our inside jokes.
so true

[princesskittypoo]

i still want some yogurt... (please explain this to me)

[jetsetlemming]

If we explained them, they wouldn't be "inside" jokes, now would they? (I'm really just making an excuse, seeing as explaining them would be really, really, really freaking hard)

[cheatachu72]

yeah they are pretty hard to explain, aren't they?