The New Republic

What I don't understand is Mitt tells everyone that he tithes but says that he doesn't want to release his tax returns because he considers tithing a private matter.

- Nusholtz

August 25, 2012 at 10:25am

I saw that. LOLZ I was thinking the exact same thing. PS that's how I feel just looking at damn tax forms:)

- Sophia

August 25, 2012 at 12:44pm

Nush, some folks are saying Romney doesn't want to release tax forms because folks will then see the big picture, especially his church. Maybe he didn't tithe enough? Anyway this is a pretty thin nightie methinks. The religion flag! I can't show you my stuff because of my religion. Uh huh.

- Sophia

August 25, 2012 at 12:46pm

I wonder how much Tom Cruise tithes to his, ahem, church.

- wildboy

August 26, 2012 at 12:58am

Mrs. Romney and her husband may well view tithing the same way they view taxes, a necessary expense for the community but an expense she or they would prefer not to pay. Unlike taxes, where rates can go as low as cooperative politicians are willing to lower them, the rate for tithing is set in the Bible at 10% (though there's lots of debate about whether it's 10% of gross income or net income, or 10% of net worth). GWB promoted the idea of faith based good works over government provided good works, and anybody who tithes must sympathize with this view, including the Romneys. Indeed, those who tithe would logically oppose government provided good works because they would be paying for the good works twice, through the church via tithing and through the government via taxes. Isn't the goal of faith-based good works to replace government provided good works? Wouldn't a Romney administration seek to reduce the government's role in providing good works? Here's the clincher for the Romneys: they aren't taxed on the 10% of their income that they tithe (it's tax deductible), but they are taxed on their income that they use to pay their taxes and that goes to government provided good works. Alleluia and pass the collection plate!

- rayward

August 26, 2012 at 8:14am

Rayward -- They wouldn't "be paying for the good works twice." They would be paying for twice the good works. Why would any sincere Christian object to that?

- esmense

August 26, 2012 at 10:12am