TheMightyQuinn

I really like the idea of switching from an income tax to a consumption tax, and the fairtax seems pretty good. Over and over again, however, there are issues the critics always complain about: The rate has to be really high to cover current expenditures. This isn't a problem with the fairtax, it's a problem with government spending.The "prebate" freaks some people out, calling it "welfare." It's needed to prevent lobbying for tax exemptions for certain products (food, clothing, services, etc.)Post-tax retirement accounts would be subjected to the fair tax, and some say this is not fair.Overall I really like the idea of paying taxes when I spend not when I earn. I like getting the government out of my finances. I think if it's going to have any chance of passing, Fairtaxers should focus on getting a state to try it out. Here in Washington we have a retail sales tax but no personal income tax, so moving to a fairtax wouldn't be as hard as other states that have personal income taxes. Getting the politicians to rally behind a consumption tax would be difficult because it takes away their power to grant favors and penalties via the tax code.

Just an opinion, but once the Church as a whole begins living the revelations we've already received, then we'll be more privy to the revelations the Brothern receive. We don't seem to appreciate what we've been given, so why would the Lord give us more?

It's obvious that women aren't oppressed in the Church--they get to sit in comfy chairs in the relief society room while the priesthood sits in folding chairs in the gym!

Teaching 100% from the manual can only work if your ward members actually read the assigned reading. I think I only have one person out of 20-30 people who actually do the reading--and it only takes 20 minutes a week to complete it! Without reading the material, we can't successfully have a discussion as the Brothern want.

It sounds like you did go to the right ward (at least for this week.):)

Me too. I'm excited about it, since I know so little about the Old Testament. Now if I could only convince people to do the reading!

Of course he could; he has agency as do we. He did everything of his own volition even though he was following the Father's will. To me these type of questions are meaningless once we realize that the Father is Omniscient--He knows the future as well as He knows the past. He sent Jesus because He knew He was prepared, able, and willing to atone for mankind. Just try to comprehend what it means to be omniscient, and you'll be able to answer these type of questions (e.g. what if Satan decides to be good? Can God sin?)

My guess is it would be seen as a violation of oath or contract. The Nephites (and even the wicked Lamanites) took their oaths very seriously, and would rather die than violate an oath. Adultery would have probably been seen as a violation of an oath or contract made to the spouse, hence a punishable offense.

The problem is the word "total". The question should read: Now it should be obvious how silly that question.

I haven't spoken it in about 12 years. Kinahanglan ko magbansaybansay! But my wife is from Indonesia, so now Aku harus belajar bahasa Indonesia!

Hi Budeburgos. Welcome to the site. What part of the Philippines are you from? I served my mission in Region VII (Cebu, Bohol, and Negros Oriental.)

Why do so many people confuse "health care" with "health insurance"? I believe that the US has great health care available but a terrible insurance system. I'm a fan of Clark Howard, and he seems to think that the problem lies in employer health insurance plans. These plans can be great if you work for a large company that negotiate low prices, but are terrible if you work for a small company, are self-employed, or unemployed. State governments usually force large companies to insure their workers, which makes it more costly for everyone else.

If you're frustrated how the nation's leaders handle complex problems, why do you want to put your health in their hands?

Moroni faces WEST on the Seattle Temple. (The front of the temple faces west.) I've heard it said that he faces toward Jerusalem, but I don't think that's true either. BTW, someone knows the spot where Christ will descend from the sky during the second coming?!

The veil will still be in effect in the spirit world so that those who have not accepted the Gospel will be able to decide based on faith. I believe that the veil will be removed at or before the time of judgement.

I've been "teaching" gospel doctrine for a year now. This was the one calling that I really didn't want (well, besides bishop!). It's quite a challenge for me for many reasons, but mostly due to the lack of class participation. The members just sit and stare! Asking the questions from the manual (usually something like: "how do you feel about...", "How can we apply this...", etc) gets no response. I tried sharing what passages impressed me in the assigned reading and then ask other to share, but still no response. I feel that 95% of the people don't do the reading, and they only have to read about a chapter a day to keep up! It's very frustrating. I think that following the lessons in the manual strictly works well only if you're class participates in the discussion. Since they don't, I've been including material from Bill Beardall's site, which had really helped. I guess quoting how the latter-day prophets feel about the scriptures we're reading has supplanted class members sharing their feelings. I still has them what they think or feel, but when they don't respond, at least i have a backup!