[Sloth]

While the vast majority of charities and churches do not engage in politicking, an increasing number did take part in prohibited activities in the 2004 election cycle

The new First Amendment:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, aside from prohibited activities; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, unless John McCain says so; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, except for when they shouldn't, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances, so long as the content of the petition is approved by the Attorney General and the courts.

[Just A Nobody]

This has NOTHING to do with free speech and EVERYTHING to do with tax exempt status.

Give up your tax exempt status, pay your taxes and say whatever you want.

[Gideon7]

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, aside from prohibited activities; or abridging the freedom of speech

If the US govt wants to revoke the tax-free status of a church that elects to exercise its 1st amendment rights, be that as it may. But to slap an additional 10% tax "excise" penalty to punish a church's right to free speech is a direct violation of the 1st amendment.

[aceintx]

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, aside from prohibited activities; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, unless John McCain says so; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, except for when they shouldn't, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances, so long as the content of the petition is approved by the Attorney General and the courts."

And the people said AMEN!!!!