[3-14-01]

New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman has written a thoughtful critique of the President's proposal to provide government funding for religiously based social service programs.

He begins by telling of a friend's suggestion that this notion could solve all sorts of problems. So, for instance, since every town with an airport has at least a few religious groups, we might try faith-based air traffic control!  

"Think of the possibilities for innovation that will emerge from thousands of small faith-based groups trying to guide planes safely and efficiently through our overcrowded skies. It will transfer tax dollars from overfed government bureaucrats back to the people. The airlines will be forced to become self- reliant, instead of depending on the public dole and publicly funded air traffic controllers. And while proselytizing may happen while planes are being guided in, at least passengers will have the chance to listen to stirring, faith-based messages full of family values, instead of watching a movie full of sex and violence."

Friedman then suggests that Bush's proposal is really a necessary adjunct to his tax cut proposals - allowing the religious communities to help bear the cost.

Thanks to onReligion.com for this story.

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