Real Time with Bill Maher: New Rule - Tax the Churches (HBO)

Subscribe to the Real Time KZbin: itsh.bo/10r5A1B
In his editorial New Rule, Bill Maher calls out religious institutions for taking a free ride on the back of the American taxpayer. Original air date: April 15, 2016.
Connect with Real Time Online:
Find Real Time on Facebook: / maher
Find Real Time on Twitter: / realtimers
Find Real Time with Bill Maher Official Site: itsh.bo/HttKcM.
Find Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO GO® itsh.bo/iioY87.
Find Real Time with Bill Maher on Connect: connect.hbo.com/real-time-bill...
Find Real Time on Instagram: / realtimers
The Real Time blog: www.real-time-with-bill-maher-...
It's HBO.
Connect with HBO Online
Find HBO on Facebook: / hbo
Follow @HBO on Twitter: / hbo
Find HBO on KZbin: / hbo
Find HBO Official Site: HBO.com
Find HBO Connect: Connect.hbo.com
Find HBO GO: HBOGO.com
Find HBO on Instagram: / hbo
Find HBO on Foursquare: Foursquare.com/hbo
Check out other HBO Channels
HBO: / hbo
Game of Thrones: / gameofthrones
True Blood: / trueblood
HBO Sports: / hbosports
HBO Documentary Films: / hbodocs
Cinemax: / cinemax
HBO Latino: / hbolatino

[@505Moya]

I have been saying this forever if they can afford mansions and private jets, then they can afford taxes

[@zachdavis5854]

exactly

[@thehotsixer1]

Yea, I saw my priest hop out of his Lambo the other day before services, then he flew off on his gold plated Jet to Monaco. Keep smoking that weed, it makes you smart.

[@guyparris4871]

+thehotsixer1 Did you see your priests boss sit on that golden throne or see his organizations bank account?

[@SangreTaiyou937]

+Guy Parris Most of the enormous wealth that the Catholic Church has remains with the Vatican and those who reside within it (Pope/Cardinals). Priests commonly make around $1000 a month (a little less than what I make working at a warehouse). If the grunts on the ground actually were receiving any of that money than churches wouldn't have to close so frequently.

[@753rohit]

+thehotsixer1 he's not talking about taxing priests...he's talking about taxing the institutions. the fact that priests are paid so low is due to corruption in these institutions, be temple mosque or church.

[@jameswray50]

To hell with taxing churches. Don't you dare threaten my plans of opening a for-profit spaghetti monster church!

[@vasarat1]

Holy pesto! you're stealing my idea!

[@mike8555]

Edgy

[@meatwise]

+DaCamponTwee Hail the Spaghetti Monster! Meaty are his balls. Long are his noodley appendages.

[@dekayedwolf]

+DaCamponTwee ROFL!

[@jameswray50]

Jon Emery Ravioli ravioli blessed be the wholly holy ravioli ministronie!

[@franktidepod8724]

_"If holy people are so interested in politics, government, and public policy, let them pay the price of admission like everyone else."_ - George Carlin

[@bdflatlander]

I love George Carlin and wish he were still with us. He was a very wise and insightful man.

[@spencerbrown6214]

💯%!!!!!!!!!!!👍🌍

[@olebluemando]

"If they (churches) are so interested in politics, government policy, and public policy, let them pay their admission price like everybody else."-George Carlin Churches spend an enormous amount of money trying to influence public policy and election outcomes. I agree with Mr Carlin, if they wanna sit at the table, they can pick up some of the check.

[@johnlinden7398]

A SCAM THAT TOO MANY HAVE ENABLED AND EMPOWERED AND BRAINWASHES INTO WITHOUT REALLY KNOWING WHY AND HOW IT ALL STARTED !

[@alec8182]

That joke about Bernie being a 2000 year old Jew was hilarious lol

[@zachary9385]

I came just for the comments.

[@Awsomeman123321]

Same

[@Not_that_kind_of_Dr]

---

[@skinnerman100]

so what

[@zachary9385]

David Flynn what so?

[@AnimeCleetus]

You came to the comments section for the comments? You madman!

[@celticlofts]

He's right it's high time we ended tax exemptions of the Church.

[@DarkStar4269]

There isn't enough popcorn for all the salt in these comments.

[@djrocko410]

"35 % percent of Millennials want nothing to do with it and the rest worship an ancient Jew born over 2,000 years ago bernie sanders" Oh how predictable was that joke, i still loved it lol

[@danunderwood6240]

“Religion is excellent stuff for keeping common people quiet. Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich." Napoléon Bonaparte

[@susannaCdonovan23]

Ridiculous Statement and never came from the mouth of Napoleon Bonaparte.

[@MarkovianMan]

+Susanna Donovan Source? This quote is overwhelmingly attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte. Everyone who attributes this quote to him is wrong?

[@coolidgedollar2154]

+Dan Underwood So ... the poor SHOULD murder the rich?

[@tooitchy]

+Coolidge Dollar metaphorically, yeah, when the rich rig the system to shit on the poor and funnel their money up to the rich, the poor need to stand up and take them down, "murder" the systems put in place to favor the wealthy, and balance out the power. What the right doesn't understand, or rather, they do understand, but are paid to pretend they don't, is that it's not a problem with rich people being rich, it's a problem with their continued influence over a system that is designed to increase their wealth, off the backs of the poor, but without the "American dream" aspect that always balanced things out because hard work was rewarded, you COULD be rich and successful if you just worked hard enough, but that's gone, working hard gets you the same shit as those who barely work, nothing. Class warfare is going to become real if the system doesn't balance out soon.

[@tooitchy]

+glennjridge what it is saying is that the rich and powerful feared the poor, working class, because they had the numbers, and they had the anger of being exploited by the rich. The rich people knew they stood no chance against the populace, if they were to rise up and revolt, this quote is saying faith is a powerful force in keeping the masses complacent and not revolting, it's not saying poor people have a desire to kill, it's saying that the rich and powerful had a fear of the poor due to their sheer numbers, and their guilt from exploiting them.

[@666xxxful]

Taxing the churches is long overdue!

[@naudaze]

The greatest scam ever pulled!

[@ScholarOfDarkness]

Bill Maher is a fucking treasure to America.

[@albatros12]

+BABA LSD Only according to Louie Gohmert

[@FroggyQC23]

+BABA LSD to whom?

[@FroggyQC23]

BABA LSD lmao no he's not.

[@MarcusDarkstar]

I would agree with Taxing Church's if you give them tax credits for charitable acts. Like helping the poor, etc. You'd also need to fund the IRS to make sure these churches are not doing fake charitable acts of course but it would cut down the endemic corruption and profiteering in American Church's.... god specially those ridiculous Seed Churches.

[@TheFourthWinchester]

Most churches in the world are scams. Especially in third world countries where they are just conversion clinics.

[@sukn7091]

I thought all those believers were supposed to help others because they were good, not because they get a deduction.

[@PoliSciTech]

finally someone shares my feelings

[@normairisflores3641]

Totally agree!! I know this is a subject no one dares to talk about, thank you.

[@Hotspur37]

John Oliver did a really good show on this. Look up Our Lady of Perpetual Exemption

[@utah133]

Churches should be taxed, and given an allowance for purely charitable expenditures. Most of them spend more on other stuff, like proselyting, buildings, private planes, etc.. They are the least efficient charitable organizations by far.

[@pas84av2]

+rationalguy Most churches are small and barely self-sustaining. Most clergy live very humble lives. I agree that many churches and their clergy take advantage of their congregation's contributions, but these mega-churches are a rare breed in most religious denominations.

[@thedubs4388]

+pas84av2 so small business should be tax exmpt too then by that logic correct?

[@pas84av2]

Chris Wierzbinski Comparing small churches and small businesses is a false equivalency. Churches don't have sole owners who benefit from their income. So no, that is not correct.

[@Bridg2Peace]

Yup!

[@minirock000]

It is a business. They take people's money, quite often very strongly urged to tithe, (so I hear) in order to place an order for a product that they will receive in the future. The problem is, if they were a business, the BBB would be all over them for bad business practices. They have never proved once, that a customer received their order. I could never be so cruel as to look someone in the face, lie about how every thing is better, once your dead, then take the little bit of money they could gather to pay, since it helps get you in, ya know.

[@AsSheLikesIt]

"Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's" - unless you're a church, then sure, ignore what Jesus said and keep all the cash!

[@trisapient]

Jesus said give onto "Caesar what is Caesar" he obviously didn't see the future and saw the USA coming or he would have said so!!! Jesus was supposed to be the disruptor and tell me he couldn't convince Jews then that they didn't have to pay that they wouldn't listen!!!

[@AsSheLikesIt]

Eduardo Hernandez I agree, that he couldn't see the US coming. It's not like Jesus is "god" or anything.

[@JP-ou6ss]

No, actually, he isn't god.

[@jonathanmckiddy9169]

It's not that the universe couldn't foresee america and places like it. It's that it wasn't relavent to Jesus's message. Also churches are for profit industries that do little charitable work

[@kcegr]

they should tax the congregation like in germany!

[@SophiaAphrodite]

Because they do not have to make that distinction for the religious. Because if you are overtly religious you don't get into office.

[@bobbart4198]

@@SophiaAphrodite They'd do just dandy in the US of A, though!

[@sianpearson9927]

No , they are already paying taxes , it's the leaders who should pay tax , the same taxes as everyone else and they should go before the IRS.Trump won't go for it because they give him votes and he also dodges taxes which is why he won't have his returns made public.

[@davidjames2788]

I'm sure the small town churches that can barely afford to keep the heat on, are hurting the economy sooooo much.

[@freddyt55555]

+David James Maybe those people who run those churches should go find a real job and do something productive with their lives instead of fleecing people that have such shitty lives themselves that they need to believe that there's an afterlife.

[@Moscato_Moscato]

+ft55555 many do have jobs...church is just something that they do on the weekends and other days ...I did a research paper on the subject of small churches in Houston and there are a LOT of small churches that give to the poor, aren't bigoted, and should not be taxed...Bill Maher however thinks that all churches should be which is wrong because some of the churches I researched are less than 50 members and barely make rent

[@ShabbernigdoXingjian]

+David James im sure hes talking more about the mega churches who have multi million dollar buildings and sizable compounds.

[@freddyt55555]

Deebo Molina If the purpose of a church is to give to the poor, they people attending these financially hard-up churches would be better off working, as individuals, for charitable organizations that help the poor. But we all know that the REAL purpose of a church isn't to help the poor. That's just an ancillary activity to legitimize what the real purpose of a church is--to create more Christians.

[@julesbernard2216]

taxing churches is incompatible with seperation of state and church.

[@TheFPSman1]

How

[@garretttipton6163]

Only if you tax certain churches more than others.

[@DrGerbils]

+GG En No, NOT taxing churches is incompatible with separation of church and state. Churches benefit from the roads and sewage, garbage, police and fire services provided by cities, but don't pay property taxes to pay for those services like everyone else. A tax exemption is economically indistinguishable from a subsidy. Subsidizing churches is a clear violation of the establishment clause.

[@KeetyPooh]

+GG En I'd argue it is the opposite and America has proven anything can be considered a church and get a write off.

[@baxter740]

Wha- it's literally the opposite of that! Churches and other religious institutions are given an advantage currently so as they do not pay taxes. Separation of church and state means to make political decisions without religious bias.

[@rotierender_lurch]

That moment when you realize you could open an investment fund in the name of jesus to stay taxfree.

[@MrVandj1]

Why must people only set up homeless shelters,feed the poor,take care of the sick in the name of God. Is it not possible to just do it without religion involved 🤔

[@cgh7337]

Maybe we should be thankful they do it at all, religion or not.

[@MrVandj1]

+Chris Hegedus I'm very thankful even though I have never been homeless. I just feel it should be left out of conversations when people bring it up during religion talks. Do it because it is the right thing not because God tells u to

[@crazyaf12]

Sure you can. You don't have to have a ridiculously large cross on the front of your building to help the poor.

[@mckenzie.latham91]

Charity is the answer becasue that way no one has to pay the actual cost or do the actual work of fixing the problem altogether...Charity is a band-aid solution, that doesn't require any real commitment or funds and doesn't deprive you of your time and energy becasue you can delegate it to someone else, most of whom skim and or swindle the majority of the money for themselves or their churches then give it towards the people in need. The problem with how we help the less fortunate is that it only temporarily deals with the problem, meanwhile the problem only escalates and grows substantially...It is merely combating an issue without ever addressing and or fixing the actual causes, issues and social inequality making the whole thing a losing battle.

[@mlpfanboy1701]

MrVandj1 not if your looking at it purely evolutionarily. Looking at purely in a survival of the fittest perspective it would make no sense to not hord everything for yourself as all life it self is pointless anyways so why risk your own for someone you don't know.

[@serafinhikes]

Why the country doesn't tax Churches boggles the mind ...

[@mrmike743]

+TakTak well when the government constantly cites the church as a reason for a lot of its laws and decisions,then the government should be able to recognize there is no separation of church and state with todays politicians.its rediculous.and the founding fathers weren't christians. they came out of the enlightenment and practiced deism.at least thomas jefferson,Ben Franklin,George Washington. they believed God doesn't have anything to do with the day to day affairs of men. that nature,not God is responsible for us. they didnt believe in the miracles of jesus,they didnt believe in the virgin birth,none of it. to them being a "Christian" wasnt asking a spirit to take over your body,but more like living your life the way jesus did.love of all humans no matter their background,taking care of the poor and sick,taking care of children.it was more of a set of morals for life than as this big huge world of political power and secrets.

[@14Schofield]

+Serafin Avitia V They fall under the label of "charity" organisations. Which, technically speaking is true because they do give money to various charities, but still...

[@TitouanDebray]

"Forever 21 - taxes, Forever 33 - no taxes." That killed me.

[@jakerey21]

+Titouan Paitier 33, Jesus was 33, a joke is only good if the audience can understand the joke. You're welcome.

[@TitouanDebray]

jakerey21 Typo, my mistake

[@beingatliberty]

300,000 congregations not paying any tax, religion not paying tax is crazy

[@cpgrad07]

The whole point is to prevent the government from destroying or promoting a certain religion through taxes.

[@AlastorsShadowDemon]

Justin Brown They're already promoting religion. It's been getting stronger since the 70's. These "religious" twats in government are constantly changing certain laws based on their beliefs and if they want to do that, they need to pay taxes.

[@miken227]

@@cpgrad07 Good point, none or all, and I say none.

[@susiefairfield7218]

I used to try to believe in Christianity, then you, Bill, brought me to my senses, for which, I am truly grateful

[@arjunshreekumar5948]

I'm an atheist too, and I also believe that churches should pay property taxes, but don't you think Bill's being a bit harsh on religious people?

[@dont.beknown5622]

+arjunshreekumar No. He isn't.

[@sbcistheboss]

He really isn't. If Christians can pass discrimintory laws they can pay some taxes.

[@sheilahayden816]

No

[@anyamrborpuzari8249]

Our Lady of Perpetual Exemption!!!

[@arshisbalsara2]

praise be praise be

[@m1g4s]

+Anyam R Borpuzari May our seed fill their pockets

[@m1g4s]

***** you don't watch john oliver, do you?

[@m1g4s]

***** look up the name of the church with john oliver and you'll get the reference. pure gold

[@SiikPros]

THE POWER OF CHRIST COMPELS YOU

[@loly1969]

bernie sanders joke is so funny

[@OljeiKhan]

Wow this guy is SAVAGE!! :D

[@williamroark]

He’ll have a HUGE SURPRISE coming....... (“You’re WHO??.......... oh,................SHIT!!!” - Bill Maher) I REALLY try to “not hear THE ATHEIST” PART of his Big Brain... SO SMART, SO CLEVER,....... YET, the DUMB SHIT CLAIMS TO “KNOW” what happens when the body stops working

[@TheKyrix82]

@@williamroark Let's see, we have evidence that seems to lean pretty heavily towards your brain being you, seeing as how brain damage can fundamentally alter how you function. So it stands to reason that when your brain ceases, so do you. Meanwhile, we have absolutely no evidence outside of religious texts which are already full of dubious claims that there is any 'spiritual' component to humanity, much less one that can transcend death. Your book says you can live on after you die, my books say things too, but they have the courtesy of not requiring me to be dead to find out whether or not those things are true.

[@olereidar]

"Religion - the new pubic hair" :) Brilliant!

[@mikes3776]

Our forefathers are rolling in their graves.

[@garciaerick898]

My foreskin is stretching in my pants. big whoop

[@shimmySchermerhorn-dk1gi]

Separation of Church and State: They both separate you from your money and livelihood. One is voluntary. They other is mandatory. 30% of the country get the two institutions mixed up.

[@sleazink502]

“ in Mississippi you you can’t make someone bake you a gay cake” Shouldn’t be able to make someone do anything

[@ekathe85]

So, we shouldn't be able to make someone stop at a red light, or make someone wear clothes in public if they don't want to, or stop them from rubbing their junk on you at the bus stop if they feel like it, or force them to pay for the things they take from a store, or make them go to jail if they murdered someone is what you're saying. Okay.

[@sleazink502]

@@ekathe85 well we don’t usually make people stop at red lights, or wear clothes in public. I wouldn’t try and stop a guy from rubbing his junk on the buss I’d get as far away as I could. Although there aren’t any people forcing people to pay for things there are people who won’t let you leave with things you havnt purchased. No one makes anyone go to jail they forcefully take said person to jail if they are deserving. Sounds to me like you think not baking a gay cake constitutes being forced to go to “jail” if one doesn’t comply.

[@ekathe85]

@@sleazink502 We do make people stop at red lights. We do make people wear clothes in public (there are places where this is not enforced but they're exceptional). You would get away from someone who's molesting you on the bus? I would call the police. Because we have rules, and the police is there to enforce them, or so it should be. So, we (as in society) make people do things all the time. If you want to discuss whether it's legal (or ethically valid) to make someone bake a cake for a gay wedding, that's an acceptable debate. But to say no one should be forced to do anything is a Simpsons episode. Sooner or later you have a ferris wheel full of preschool kids rolling into a zoo because someone wasn't forced to grease the axle.

[@ValerioRhys]

@@ekathe85 I remember in 2005 when christians were warning us that legalizing gay marriage would end up gays forcing christian photographers to take a photo of gay weddings. I told them they were paranoid conspiracy theorists and that legalizing gay marriage wouldn't mean we would start persecuting and forcing them to take our wedding photographs and that it was a slippery slope exaggeration that would never happen since all we ever wanted was rights in the bedroom and to love each other. Thanks for proving them right and now I can no longer show my face on homophobic forums and try to make them see it from our side.

[@ekathe85]

@@ValerioRhys What are you even talking about? This guy basically said there should be no laws which is ridiculous. Personally I don't give a crap about your wedding cake, But when people start questioning basic legality principles, it worries me.

[@komradekanna7919]

everyone who is part of the American society should pay taxes.

[@KilooGee]

Exactly not just the Average laborer

[@UnknownFork]

Not minimum wage earners.

[@MuslimGoku]

+UnknownFork No way, minimum wage workers should have to pay at least the sales taxes just like anyone else.

[@TheYasmineFlower]

+Daniel Calxeron *as long as they can afford it. If a church is poor, it should not have to risk bankruptcy for taxes. Transparency should ensure that it's clear which church is rich and which is not.

[@petert1692]

If a church is poor and the clergy lives the lifestyle of the rich, then tax the clergy on a deemed income for the style they are living/

[@MindofMichaelMyers]

Taxing church is a bad idea.

[@Campy_Camel]

good*

[@MindofMichaelMyers]

+Shavedify We are having more and more in common with Comunism. If you are ok with that, don't be.

[@Thejrrg]

+anthony johnson god I went all day without reading something stupid. Then there's this dumb fuck

[@MindofMichaelMyers]

+Jose Rios Limited goverment and no more freedom of religion are going out the window and it's something to laugh at. ok

[@garywood9525]

+anthony johnson Oh no , Bill has a great idea as a Liberal to get rid of all the Christians that volunteer and work in Aids care centre to change diaper's since gays and atheist won't do it. No more Soup trucks for the homeless. No sir, Bill wants all those jobs to be a $30.00 an hour Unionised Government jobs with benefits and a gold-plated pension where pre-taxed money goes to workers that gets some taxed back by paper-pusher accountants and about 70% of the Social service budget is salaries , benefits and pensions leaving about .30 cent for the actual needy person . In Bills world the gays with aids can rot in their soaked diaper because not even a $30.00 Liberal will do it. He also said that the Government has no business telling people how to spend their welfare money if they want to get tattoos but he then said that taxpayer should pay for the laser surgery to remove the tattoo so they have a better chance at getting a job. The brain of a Liberal doesn't blame people for their bad choices , this is why Burnie wants to take money from the productive and hand it to the lazy uneducated that chose to be ignorant and unemployable because it's only fair to have a just society .

[@ricksolari9570]

Separating church and state does not mean special exemptions for churches. I think a reasonable property tax is called for.

[@carolyngrinberg6889]

L. Ron set his church up originally as a joke. "Xenu, Xenu" ...Mork said "Nanu, nanu," but he didn't forget it was a joke.

[@Cangeltibon]

I think we need to treat them like any other non profit, plenty of them already break that rule and should have there tax exemption pulled but the ones who actual perform acts of charity and community help (without outrageous profit) should keep their status.

[@SnoozeTheRecluse]

Taxing the churches is like asking for a riot lol

[@ricks.1318]

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS TAX ALL the Churches, properties !!!!!! It has been going on WAY TOO DAMN LONG already ..... This was an AWESOME show ... BILL RULES !!!!!!!!!!

[@choochoo2909]

I wish people would wake up... All Religions should be taxed..

[@mckaylaholman4226]

I've been saying that for a long time hopefully one day people will protest that churches get taxed then it will happen all religions are cons to scare the dumb and gullible people to make the head of the richer and it makes me sick fuck religion maybe I should come up with a church worshipping Peter Pan call it Peter panisum or the church of pan get a taxed free hell I can sell fairy tales to lol

[@domersftw1503]

Kayla Holman sure buddy that is totally what that is not something that has saved peoples lives from suicide.

[@badideabearcub2747]

Churches in the US historically got tax redemtions because they used to take care of charity activities (in charge of hospitals, asylums, horphanages) when there were no public institutions. It's not the case anymore in most instances. However government should give special considerations to historical significant building like Saint Patricks. You wouldn't like to let anybody demolish it if somebody decides they don't want to pay taxes for the building.

[@susanb4816]

i am a regular church goer and i think churches should be paying taxes, particularly since most churches no longer do any work which benefits the community at large

[@ctbear26]

+Susan B The Catholic Church is the second largest provider of social services to the poor - behind only the federal government who remains # 1. If the churches are taxed, we will not be able to provide for the poor all we do now. Beyond that, ALL CHARITIES not just churches will have to be taxed - charities like the Salvation Army, the American Cancer Society, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, the ASPCA, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America, Habitat for Humanity, the Make A Wish Foundation, Susan B. Komen for the Cure, Toys for Tots, UNICEF, etc. etc. etc. If the churches are taxed, so will every other charity in America! I wish people like you would do some intelligent research before agreeing with someone like Bill Maher - a man who has so much hate in his heart, he can't see straight.

[@gamesman0118]

+KJ Patrick And the biggest source of child molesters.

[@ctbear26]

In fact, no they are not. The biggest source is the family - the child's own family. And before you try to successfully bring the discussion off the point of this, if the churches are taxed, so will every other charity in America be taxed. That would be a disaster for America. So retract your claws and deal with the facts, perhaps for once in your life.

[@gunnyking7890]

+KJ Patrick This is the wrong place to bring in facts. Also,izthe reason for no taxation is to allow the separation of church and state. It would need a new amendment. Having said that, I think there should be strong criteria for an organization to call itself a church or religion.

[@gamesman0118]

KJ Patrick Well if you are talking about the occurrence of child sexual abuse I'd have to agree that it happens most often in the home by family or friends. However the biggest source outside the home is religious organizations whatever religion the child's family is part of. The catholic church was just the biggest church busted for it in recent years. Not that any other church has been free of scandals. Hell there was that one convent that killed 800 kids in Ireland oops I mean they just let them die of starvation, exposure and illness. They haven't found the mass grave yet because as children of unwed mothers they were allowed to be buried on holy ground. Yeah a real credit to Jesus's mercy those nun's. If I could go back in time I'd save the kids and sell the nuns into slavery. Let them work off their sins.

[@larryfulkerson4505]

The inmates are in charge of the asylum.

[@casings_]

it baffles me that people still practice any sort of religion

[@Jrod316x]

It baffles me how judgmental and ignorant you are.

[@Poseidon650]

+Jorge Rodriguez I think it's more judgmental and ignorant that you can't let someone have an opinion without trying to tell them how judgmental and ignorant they are. Funny endless loop of judgment huh?

[@danielweimer7207]

+Jorge Rodriguez Religious people calling others ignorant....good one

[@JJMHigner]

Refer to Dr. Joseph Campbell. He breaks mythological thinking well and its origins.

[@bobbart4198]

@@Jrod316x Damned Right ... That's Religion's Gig!

[@realestatephillip6147]

!!!! Vote Bernie Sanders !!!!!

[@whylogicalthinking]

+Giuseppe were you looking in a mirror when you typed that

[@soulscanner66]

2:32 As an agnostic, don't include me with atheists and anti-religionists. That's like lumping in Islamic fundamentalists with Christian humanists because they believe in God. My views are more in line with Christian humanists, and Bill's more in line with Islamic fundamentalists in that they believe in the eradication of those who do not share their views on religion.

[@trevorwright3905]

+Guy Souriandt ...Regardless, big churches should be taxed. They have a stake in a lot of companies/investments (like banks, hedge funds, military equipment, tobacco etc). If you want religion to stay, as you say you are "agnostic - christian humanist", then fine. If they're going to stay and pollute the minds of the young for many generations to come, then they should not get away with tax evasion. Hell, pro bono lawyers don't even get tax deductibles! So why should they?! Also, you likened Bill Maher to an Islamic fundamentalist, but I'm having difficulty trying to find the dead bodies Bill killed in the name of his "religion". Oh wait there's none!

[@MasterTaiki]

+Guy Souriandt Eradication through discourse. Big difference. There's research done that shows those who have uncertainty in their beliefs deal with greater death anxiety. I'd suggest you cross over to atheism.

[@soulscanner66]

Anchor Senjaro You show another characteristic atheists (including Marxists) share with Christian and Muslim fundamentalists: the need for religious converts. Agnostics don't share this zealotry. Atheists represent the reactionary, fundamentalist arm of humanism. We saw in the Soviet Union, China, and Cambodia what happens to religious people when atheist ideologues take power.

[@soulscanner66]

Trevor Wright Churches are non-profit organizations. The only reason to tax them outright is anti-religious bigotry. It's dangerous to pander to this kind of religion-based hatred. Remember that it is the hatred of religions that has lead to the worst atrocities in history. In Canada, Churches are taxed on real estate transactions, investments, for-profit activity, etc. That is because Canada has no separation of Church and state. Churches can be treated as institutions like any others. Religious schools, congregations, homeless shelters, etc. are not taxed. This makes sense. These are non-profit activities. Of course, complex discussions like that can't be explained on Twitter (TM), so atheists and other fundamentalists have trouble grasping it.

[@MasterTaiki]

Guy Souriandt Ah you'e a fucking idiot and your rhetoric false flat. I'm sure those commie states aren't the result of the political structure or dictatorship. It must all have been due to atheism /s. You are intellectually dishonest. Just stop. Fuck your generalizations. America is becoming less and less religious. Nothing has to be done. No 'extremist eradication' or genocide has to take place in America. And it won't happen. Agnostics are just atheists without balls.

[@timothyflynn1927]

Even when i was a christian i thought churches ought to be paying taxes

[@MilesEdgeworth129]

They need to be taxed, and be required to open their books for public financial audit. If they want tax-exemption, they need to apply for it like every other nonprofit organization.

[@Phwogbug]

does anyone like this guy

[@TJ85234]

no

[@zelha5528]

hos twitter followers

[@goblinking99]

his kinda a douchebag but i agree with alot of what he says.

[@trevorwright3905]

+mikel vereen little I DO. He brings some sense to people.. And those offended are guilty because Bill is right, especially with religion and how corrupt and corrupting it is.

[@Povsk1]

+mikel vereen little Yes. This channel has over half a million subscribers.

[@JeanLucPicard85]

It's high time for some good ol' temple tax.

[@adarsh7914]

It's time bernie went after Big Religion

[@timothyberlinski2299]

Treat it like a bussiness cause it is. They spend billions on these elaborate churches that we dont need and the charity excuse, they dont give it all to charity. Tax them like a bussiness and let them use charity donations as write offs.

[@ecamormex]

Preach it, brother Bill!

[@KevinVanGelder]

I wish they would because then churches would be free to call out the government for their crimes instead of cowering in fear of losing their tax-free status.

[@NoWay1969]

No, churches do not need to be taxed. They do need to follow the same rules as other non-profits, something that doesn't happen now, and be financially transparent. In the internet age, all non-profits probably could be required to be more transparent without any additional significant burden. Many churches do very little community outreach, and the majority of the money that they raise goes to salaries and operating expenses. This is fine, and is the case with many non-profits, but it should be disclosed publically. Any non-profit soliciting funds should be required to be transparent. It should be easy to see what contributions are being used for.

[@Andrew0you0tube]

+No Way Church is business organization, just look how many millionaires out there. It is unfair that it has so tremendous privilege.

[@NoWay1969]

Андрей Мишин True, they shouldn't have any privilege. They should be treated as other charitable organizations.

[@Zhuellor]

+No Way All churches should be taxed and many preachers should be monitored to make sure they are not stealing and deceiving their congregation like many preachers are, like Kenneth Copeland, Joel Olsteen, Joyce Meyers, just to name a few.

[@NoWay1969]

Zhuellor I think every tax exempt organization should have open books, but churches shouldn't be treated any differently than any other TEO. At the moment they are, they don't have the same paperwork requirements that other organizations do. They shouldn't be penalized or given special preferences.

[@sales090]

+No Way "Non-profits". Really?

[@janncoons7445]

William your common sense and logic is rare. You the only one I found so far that thinks and feels the same way I do. Wish this was contagious!

[@phainesthai]

Well said, I love this clip. So true!!!

[@aimraah2586]

Brilliant. Keep speaking the truth, Bill! Repeal all laws respecting the establishment of religion!

[@lelandbailey8133]

How did 25% give this a thumbs down?

[@Bridg2Peace]

They know to stay away from Maher, or it'd be 75% thumbs down. The thumb downers probably didn't even watch.

[@jamesj.hobart5615]

I gave it a thumbs down because the information he provided about corporations not paying taxes is false. The majority of those corporations paid income tax. The few that didn't pay taxes, most of them had losses, and you can't tax a loss. It easy to find this information, anyone can use yahoo finance (except for Bill apparently). Also this information is public and required by law to be public per SEC. A couple corporation received money back from the government due to tax credits, and I am sure those tax credits were lobbied and the politicians of both the Democrat and Republican parties were bought off (opensecrets.org). Vornado Realty company is the only company that has consistently paid little or received money back from the IRS. Recall the 2008 financial crisis, companies suffered major losses and carry those losses forward until the net income equals those losses, then corporations are taxed after they recovery their losses. YOU CAN"T TAX LOSSES! (GAAP accounting principles) As for the Churches argument, it is a wrong and hypocritical argument. If Bill Maher believes in the separation of church and state, then he should believe in the separation of church and state. When the United States was founded a principle that Bill quotes the Founding Fathers of a secular government with the separation of church and state. If you, others, and Bill read the Federalist Papers written by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay (the first Supreme Court Chief Justice) and the counter arguments made the Anti-Federalist in the Anti-Federalist Papers you and Bill might know why churches are not taxed. If you tax anyone whether it be the populous or the government then they have a say in how that government is run. Recall, the Church of England and the Monarchy both used taxes and offerings to serve their interest of either running the church or the British Empire. Also, it would help to learn about how and why the Church of England was formed in the first place. So, I am against churches being taxed for the principle of separation of church and state which Bill makes repeatedly when the religious right acts hypocritically about this principle. With all that being said, I like watching Bill and his format because he has guest from many different backgrounds, views, and opinions while moderating and being a decent to good host. Signed, A Courageous Capitalist P.S. If you have counter arguments comment below.

[@Consleazy]

So courageous, posting in a KZbin comment.

[@joeluigi2008]

Ryan Conrad that's not good comeback, dude. Just saying

[@SnoutBaron]

Because being religious or not doesn't stop this from being stupid. You know what comes with taxation? Representation. Which means churches will be allowed to directly take part in government.

[@Dom_Uchihaa]

Tax these establishments!!

[@katdeluxy9608]

I'm an atheist frm NYC and do not mind St Patrick's cathedral, its a tourist attraction that brings money to the city.

[@spicress]

+Kat Deluxy Not even close to as much as the Church makes... quit fooling yourself... they can rake it in but they should also pay TAXES because the RCC and evangelicals, etc ARE ALWAYS TRYING TO GAIN RELIGIOUS SOVEREIGNTY over EVERYONE else...That is anti-AMERICAN AND ANTI-CONSTITUTIONAL.. AND IT IS ILLEGAL to mess with other folks happiness and beliefs.....not to mention that the constitution deliberately denies ALL religious organizations allowed anywhere near the laws, not in ANY branch of gov't.. they already knew first hand what religion does to people... they just have to have the one and only best true religion on earth and the onlu ones to force others to their ways... blood and guts is all over the histories of religions.....' The Gov't. recently took away Scientology's tax free status... They finally got enough information to prove the so-called religion is a gigantic Ponzi scheme... Just like so many of our religious organizations...

[@MarinersFan1987]

+2ndtoJohn Not for profit who obtains all money through donations/offerings from their members. Pretty simple actually.

[@ajaypasricha9855]

That Sanders joke was great

[@LGBproductions1]

Yes! I love how we can make fun of him because he's the best! 👌

[@susannaCdonovan23]

+Lance Besen The best at stealing other people's money, so you can continue to live on Welfare?

[@TheYasmineFlower]

+Susanna Donovan It's not stealing when it is taken from those who have stolen it.

[@attonpearson1944]

+TheYasmineFlower "Those who stole it" MARXISM ALERT, BERNIE GET AWAY BEFORE THIS PERSON POISONS YOUR SOCIALIST IDEALS WITH MARXISM But really, you think the majority of the 1% steal our money? No, it's badly planned social programs like Obamacare and stupid tax increases by Republicans

[@susannaCdonovan23]

Bootificial Bernie is a Marxist...always has been...always will be.

[@oldsport71]

Great insight Bill.

[@danr5239]

Start texting the churches and then tell the parishioners to stop donating any money. Next time that basket comes around don’t put a single nickel in there.

[@JB-tj8zx]

I doubt that you will see this Bill, but Jesus loves you (: ❤

[@CoralSkin-bd2xz]

So what? Churches should still pay taxes.

[@Zer0.-_]

+blopp bopity Great bait babe.

[@giddymarvin5503]

I thought Jesus hates gays? How come he loves Bill if homosexuality is against your fictitious story tales?

[@pavlobro1764]

+Rick hate the sin but love the sinner

[@skinnerman100]

let him pay the tax then

[@hugowoods1986]

Bernie Sanders 74 years old, Donald Trump 70 years old, Hillary Clinton 69 years old. America, this is not an election for the AARP leadership !!!

[@namekman01]

neither of them is retired, and two of them are stinking rich. there's no such thing as a retired rich person.

[@namekman01]

well, i wouldnt say that, im sure younger people can compete, but im not against them because their ages.

[@Gr8Layks]

Like. Like. Like. LOVE!!!

[@ramlinshoes]

I'd give this ten thumbs up if I could. Something that's been bugging me forever. Taxes for all including hospitals, non-profits etc.

[@Horsethief666]

You've been bugged forever by there not being enough taxes? You're just jealous. Taxing them isn't gonna fix your life.

[@sianpearson9927]

@@Horsethief666 I would call it more being justifiably angry . Why should church leaders be exempt ? They take more than they should off the congregations and the rest of the people have to pay taxes.

[@ViewableArtist2]

You know who else doesn't pay taxes ..... ANY NCAA SCHOOL .... They make billions of dollars a year televising sports games where they don't pay a dime to the athletes who actually play the game and pay no taxes. FUCK THAT .... tax the churches and the NCAA and guess what ... some tax holes would be filled.

[@Aeroldoth3]

+James Vaz End all tax exemptions.

[@thexman6138]

Word I'm die Hard SEC UGA fan I know the money that comes out of that Conference. EVERYONE SHOULD PAY TAXES

[@valeelii0]

Honestly, many churches should pay taxes, just not small churches. My own grandmother runs a small church with 20 or so people in it, she shouldn't be paying taxes, she struggles to pay rent for the church. Churches that are worth more than a couple hundred thousand dollars. And if a church is one of those that protest outside of gay pride parades or abortion clinics, we should tax them for sure, they're harassing innocent people whom just either want to celebrate their lifestyle or just take care of their bodies. If you're going to harass and not be forced to pay taxes that's bullshit. My opinion though, small churches no taxes, big churches yes.

[@ocheltree1]

+Valerie Ramirez I agree with you. The idea that these mega churches can literally own such property and resort like fellowship halls complete with swimming pools, etc with no taxes is absurd. But a little church should be exempt and it would be very easy to do.

[@MeneroPlays]

So not pay taxes when its convienent for you. Fair enough.

[@barbaraconnett5057]

I agree, with you on religion, we keep pointed, this out, they still, don’t pay! Thank you Bill!

[@rodentraiser3995]

Started a thread about this in our forum a couple days ago. Thank you, Bill, for the support.

[@otonomi1]

Taxation without representation? Nuts! Also, wonder if Bill and his adherents pay taxes.

[@1234kalmar]

+Nu Otonomi Church people are already represented, as they can vote and run for office. And you don't see (officially) represented companies. There is no (official) representative of Exxon mobile.

[@amentoz6371]

its not religion, its the people in how they interpret it.

[@outkast978]

I'm pretty sure interpretation is a big part of religion.

[@amentoz6371]

outkast978 yea... but it depends how you interpret it!

[@trollerjakthetrollinggod-e7761]

People wouldn't interpret it wrong if there wasn't something wrong with religion.

[@Jimpozcan]

Yes, the problem is that people interpret religion as being something worthwhile. The misinterpretation is very problematic.

[@Xuhtig]

So basically, its religion.

[@cabreraandrew23]

he has one of those "punch me in the face" faces..

[@UserrHD]

Bill should really make a segment where he responds to KZbin comments.

[@user-ue6ft7eb4f]

Tell me more about taking money from people that celebrate their freedom of religion.

[@CarlosVargas-jz8gl]

How about the freedom of expression from corporations? should they get taxed?

[@alexturlais8558]

if I set up an investment firm called "making money for Jesus", could I get away with not paying taxes?

[@daveman5860]

Yup

[@Horsethief666]

Applause for more taxes? What happened to my great country...

[@danielsmith7922]

+Pocahontas Not more taxes you dunce. Taxes period.

[@Horsethief666]

Daniel Smith more taxes is the same as taxing new things or people. If you start taxing breathing oxygen then that's more taxes as well. Or you gonna still say taxes period? With your logic there's rarely been "more taxes". If the government gets morebtax revenue then it's more taxes.

[@DubbleAVideos]

Bill *nailed* that shit.

[@fatimamendez3153]

Omg, when you realize this dude is so right!!!

[@joshmike7598]

The church is one of the largest supplies of charitable donations in all social areas. I'm disgusted that heads of churches walk away with pockets full of cash, but to tax the church could have serious unforeseen consequences

[@JazzyJonas]

I think that's what taxes are for, among other things.

[@Ruouiji]

I am also sick and tired of shelling out thousands for property taxes! This system is corrupt and needs to be scrapped!!

[@winston.zheng.m]

Horray to church of flying spaghetti

[@nelsondisalvatore9812]

sometimes people fight bigots for so long than they become bigots

[@asldfkhjaslk]

Nelson Di Salvatore The religious ARE the bigots. All we are saying is, don't believe in talking snakes. They don't exist.

[@yourmomgoful]

Oh yeah let's tax the Churches that go and help people who are less fortunate than us. Great idea let's just forget about how much church donate food and money, help rebuild communities, and do whatever to help out communities around the world awesome ideas. Way to be selfish 👏

[@ChestRockwell24]

+mckinley pace Yeah, instead let us tax the churches that have jets and shit, right? I Mean you would be okay with that?

[@yourmomgoful]

+ChestRockwell24 not all pastors have private jets and big houses. Actually probably less than 5% do

[@salon9417]

Opening up a video with a scene of a crowd clapping to a picture of a man with bull’s horn stuck up his rear is definitely something interesting

[@ironmantis25]

So can I start a martial arts company and rename it "the church of Kratos" for tax reduction purposes?

[@MunkeyChips]

+ironmantis25 If you can convince the government to acknowledge it as a religion then yes. But, Pastafarianism still isn't considered a religion in the USA and over 3 million people claim to be part of it.

[@TraderTimmy]

+ironmantis25 Yes. You can. But you need a few friends to become members of the religion to apply.

[@Praetor_Fenix420]

Rock on Billl!!!

[@yohanson7097]

Bernie Sanders 2016! Get out and VOTE People! #BernieOrBust

[@thehitman8538]

Just say No to Socialism!

[@wes9014]

Too bad all his supporters aren't old enough to vote.

[@leecason9468]

+Brick Tamland ikr something like over 50% of his followers are under 18

[@internetguy7965]

Ha losers

[@MrNoob-xo5uz]

I learned plenty of useful stuff in Sunday School: sharing, taking turns , accepting people that are different, forgiving others. You know "Jesus stuff".

[@daveman5860]

Taxing the churches, would be a godsend.

[@andrewjackson5593]

Have you ever heard of separation of Church and state?

[@differentialequation9471]

+Andrew Jackson Have you ever heard of separation of Cooperation and state?

[@AJ213Probably]

+Andrew Jackson Andrew Jackson if you are a peoples person I would recommend being non-religious. You would be more of a peoples person than. You would be a better ex president.

[@Ls3guy]

don't forget the NBA the NFL and NHL

[@PluckySmurf]

A tax on Sunday schools so kids don't get stupid. x-) Love it.

[@rh7653]

The televangelists are gonna be foaming at the mouth speaking gibberish tongues of fire and curses of the TV Lord 🤣