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Maddy McCall Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 03:12 PM
Original message
Florida Christian Theme Park Dodges Property (and sales) Tax
Edited on Tue Jul-12-05 03:20 PM by Maddy McCall


http://www.theholylandexperience.com/

Fla. Christian Theme Park Dodges Property Tax

POSTED: 1:40 pm EDT July 12, 2005
UPDATED: 1:49 pm EDT July 12, 2005

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A Florida judge has ruled in favor of a Christian theme park seeking an exemption from property taxes.

The Holy Land Experience in Orlando is operated by a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian ministry called Zion's Hope, which is devoted to converting Jews to Christianity.

It had been granted only limited exemptions for administrative and education facilities.

The Orange County Property Appraiser's office had denied the group's broader request in 2001, arguing the park was a tourist attraction rather than a church.

But Judge Cynthia MacKinnon said all of the park is tax-exempt. In her ruling, the judge said Zion's Hope is using The Holy Land Experience "to spread what it considers to be God's word."

more: http://www.newsnet5.com/travelgetaways/4713706/detail.html

Another article:

Orange County Property Appraiser Bill Donegan said his office may appeal the exemption ruling.

"I think Holy Land itself is religious, but I'm not convinced that it serves a religious purpose like a church," he said. "I guess we're going to have to find out the definition of a church. When you charge $30 for admission, is that a church?"

Donegan said Zion's Hope has paid only minimal taxes on the land and would owe $786,000 through February 2004 if they were forced to pay. Annual taxes would amount to about $215,000, he said.

Zion's Hope, which is devoted to converting Jews to Christianity, opened the park in February 2001. It offers recreations of scenes from ancient Jerusalem and biblical settings complete with costumed characters.

A gift shop sells books and religious-oriented gifts, and the Oasis Cafe sells food, all exempt from the state's 6 percent sales tax.

More at: http://www.local6.com/news/4709584/detail.html


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meegbear Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 03:13 PM
Response to Original message
1. When you charge $30 for admission, is that a church?
Nuff sed.
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liberal N proud Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 03:19 PM
Response to Reply #1
6. I will second that!
Maybe they could get by with it if it was a free will offering, with no suggestion of price but to charge makes it a business.
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donco6 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 04:27 PM
Response to Reply #1
22. I'll 3rd it.
That's a critical element. A church shouldn't charge admission. They can beg for donations all they want, but they can't keep people out for not paying.
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Cronquist Donating Member (34 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 06:04 PM
Response to Reply #22
34. I'll go out on a limb......
Scientology?
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donco6 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 08:09 PM
Response to Reply #34
44. On that, people just shouldn't. :) eom
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Pretty_in_CodePink Donating Member (256 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 10:08 AM
Response to Reply #34
87. Zion - I think fundametalist
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LiberalFighter Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 06:06 PM
Response to Reply #22
35. They should not be making a profit!!!
They should only charge the cost of services and goods. Anything over that should be voluntary contributions.
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Pretty_in_CodePink Donating Member (256 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 10:24 AM
Response to Reply #35
88. And then tax deductible for the guest
If the place is a bona fide non-profit. This goes way beyond property taxes. If it is determined that the place is non-taxable then people should be able to deduct whatever is beyond the value of what they receive. Outrageous!

This place is near my home. I drive by it almost every day. It is a prime piece of expensive Orlando area real estate. I have never been. It is promoted as entertainment. Fun for the whole family. I don't see how. Some contributers to this thread have some excellent ideas for making it fun. I see a rock climbing wall from the road where I wait for the light to change. Don't know about the rest. Heard they had some of the dead sea scrolls on display once or something like that.

This is a discussion that has been going on since the place opened. I really thought it was settled. The determination was that the property where the church is located was tax-exempt but that this was clearly a commercial enterprise. What they did with their profits and their underlying agenda did not change the function of the theme park.

I am shocked that a judge would rule differently. Sometimes I just hate living in this state! It's nice in January though.

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lumpy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 08:16 PM
Response to Reply #1
47. Plus a gift shop
That is no church period.
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VegasWolf Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 04:36 PM
Response to Reply #1
97. I wouldn't pay 30 bucks to a church, but for a chance to ride the Jesus
Roller Coaster to Heaven, I might.
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Roland99 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 03:14 PM
Response to Original message
2. Donegan damn well better appeal!!
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MisterP Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 03:14 PM
Response to Original message
3. what's it include, a Jewtochristiancoaster?
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Roland99 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 03:15 PM
Response to Reply #3
4. And a Holy Hellevator?
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arwalden Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 03:29 PM
Response to Reply #3
12. A Log Flume Ride... That Plunges Underwater And BAPTIZES EVERYONE!!
:rofl:
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Betsy Ross Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 03:32 PM
Response to Reply #3
14.  Reply: "what's it include, a Jewtochristiancoaster?"
That would be a real slide
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donco6 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 04:28 PM
Response to Reply #14
23. *Zing!*
snort.
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tammywammy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 08:26 PM
Response to Reply #3
49. This is one of the funniest things I've read today
The "Jewtochrisiancoaster" I'm sure it'll be full of twists and turns. But at the top before the first drop will be a huge Jesus with his arms outstretched welcoming the riders to Christianity.
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MisterP Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 10:19 PM
Response to Reply #49
62. or one whose mouth you enter
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Oreo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 03:18 PM
Response to Original message
5. Here's their website
Edited on Tue Jul-12-05 03:21 PM by Oreo
http://www.theholylandexperience.com/

If a Muslim group built a theme park based on their goal of converting Christians to Muslim faith I guarantee it would be burned down in about an hour.

Do you have a worship code?
We recognize that people of various faiths and denominations will visit The Holy Land Experience, and we appreciate and encourage the worship of God. However, we reserve the right to remove anyone (or any group of people) from the facilities if their religious activity, in our judgment, causes a disturbance.
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Logiola Donating Member (379 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 03:21 PM
Response to Reply #5
7. they should hold the next Republican National Convention there
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Ian David Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 03:22 PM
Response to Original message
8. Well, that does it. Let's all go worship at The House of Chuck E. Cheese
Maybe they'll be next. It's a primarily GOP outfit that has ties-in with Veggie Tales.
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bookman Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 03:22 PM
Response to Original message
9. Crucifixion show?
Crucifixion show? That's sick. Gee mom, can we go see the crucifixion again?

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VegasWolf Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 08:21 PM
Response to Reply #9
48. Watch jesus crucified four times a day at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM and
4:00 PM. You will be able to buy refreshments during the
spectacle. The crucification is a non-smoking area.
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WCGreen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 10:57 PM
Response to Reply #48
65. At night the puncture wounds light up
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bluedog Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 03:23 PM
Response to Original message
10. I posted about this park when
the RW were boycotting Disney because of gays........this park is purley a religious park...you have to pay.dress proper.......not cause any havoc.ect..........I wondered why they didn't pay taxes on this.....
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Ian David Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 03:26 PM
Response to Original message
11. Can you buy un-taxed cigarettes there?
Didn't the government launch a police incursion onto a Native American reservation for that?
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Az_lefty Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 03:30 PM
Response to Original message
13. If you charge admission, it's not a church !!!!
these people need to pay their taxes like everyone else.
:mad:
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northzax Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 09:14 AM
Response to Reply #13
84. many religious groups, in essence charge admission
and not just scientology. You cannot enter a LDS tabernacle unlss you tithe...ever try getting into a synagogue on high holidays without buying a ticket? you have to tithe to your average crazy evangelical church as well- you are expected to contribute to mosques and cathedrals as well.

now all of these have hardship exemptions, of course, no synagogue or mosque will keep out a regular member of the community simply because she can't pay. but how do you think churches get so rich?
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arikara Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 03:34 PM
Response to Original message
15. How bizarre
I'm sure that Jews will just be flocking over to it to hand over their $30 and be saved.
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AllegroRondo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 03:39 PM
Response to Original message
16. Daily Show last night covered similar stuff
the guest was a woman who wrote a book about the special treatment churches get from the government, I believe her last name was Hamilton. This is exactly the kind of thing she was talking about.

everything from the Catholic Church claiming they dont have to hand over any documents related to child abuse because of the first amendment, to churches that dont have to obey zoning laws, to child abuse laws not applying to people who prefer 'faith healing' instead of doctors. I may have to look up that book.
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billyoc Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 03:54 PM
Response to Reply #16
19. "God vs. the Gavel"
Marci Hamilton. I think I'll pick up a copy this week.
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TlalocW Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 03:43 PM
Response to Original message
17. Y'know, that's just messed up
How can they seriously believe that large numbers of Jews will be flocking to their amusement park so that they can carry out their stated purpose?

Florida DU'ers need to go there wearing yamakas (sp?), etc. Maybe some of the men could grow beards and wear hair extensions done to look like ringlets then walk around doing your best Jackie Mason impression, "An amusement park to turn Jews into Christians? Whoever heard of such a thing?"

If nothing else, it will be fun for the DU'ers, and you'll actually make the amusement park's day since they'll be thinking, "Finally! Some Jews for me to convert!"

TlalocW
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donco6 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 04:30 PM
Response to Reply #17
25. You know - it might be worth $30 -
to go and just have a frickin' field day at that place. Whoop it up during the passion play; pass some serious gas during the delivery of the Ten Commandments.

What a joke.
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daleo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 03:51 PM
Response to Original message
18. Why should taxpayers subsidize the conversion of Jews to Christianity
That's just wrong in about a dozen different ways.
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The Stranger Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 04:29 PM
Response to Reply #18
24. I'm glad someone pointed that out.
If you aren't outraged, then you haven't been paying attention.
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Miss Chybil Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 05:57 PM
Response to Reply #18
32. Amen!
:grr:
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unschooler Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 04:15 PM
Response to Original message
20. Excuse me while I
:puke: :puke: :puke:
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SlavesandBulldozers Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 04:24 PM
Response to Original message
21. i went there once
took the whole family - my sister and our kids.

but seriously folks. . .

our favorite ride was Zion Mountain Railroad, though Jesus Christ's Wild Ride was pretty spectacular.

We loved how we could drop the kids off at Isaac and Abe's Day-Care, so that we could dance the night away at Herod's Lounge. what happens at Herod's lounge stays there, folks - but you know what they say "When in Jerusalem. . . "

All in all, it was a vacation to remember. We had a great time, and never had we felt such an annointing and a calling from the Hornet-God Mochtilpochtli.
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Maddy McCall Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 04:50 PM
Response to Reply #21
26. Bwahahahahaha!!!!
You are too funny. :toast:
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Sgent Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 05:01 PM
Response to Reply #26
27. On a serious note....
Edited on Tue Jul-12-05 05:03 PM by Sgent
I pay to go to religious services all the time. My dues are $2500/yr, and if I didn't pay them, I would not be able to enter my shul on the high holy days. The IRS consider's my dues the same as money put in the offering plate.

Note the above is the case for most Jewish congregations in the US. There are always lower dues for the young (students) and poor, but there have been many fights about dues as well. There are usually high holy days that don't require entrance ticket's in a given area -- often put on by the Chabad in a hotel conference room or the like. But in many places, no ticket (which you either have to purchase or get as a member benefit), no services.
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Maddy McCall Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 05:52 PM
Response to Reply #27
29. Would you pay $30 to go to an amusement park, the sole purpose of ...
which is to convert you from Judaism to Christianity?

There's a huge difference here. I don't know if your dues are considered your tithe ($2500 would be considered a reasonable tithe in a protestant church for someone making $25,000/yr).

Admission tickets to get into a theme park are quite different from tithing your local religious center, church, temple, etc. Your church probably uses your tithe (or payment) to maintain the temple/church and to pay staff--and possibly to help out poor members. This theme park will use the money to convert Jews; I doubt it will be reinvested in the local community.

I just fail to see the parallel between tithing and buying tickets to an amusement park.
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LiberalFighter Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 06:08 PM
Response to Reply #29
37. How many Jews go to the park vs other religions?
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Maddy McCall Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 07:32 PM
Response to Reply #37
41. Good point. I think it's a "preachin' to the choir" type amusement park
where fundies can go enjoy a hot Florida day without being offended by all those homos at Disney.

:sarcasm:
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SlavesandBulldozers Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 09:01 PM
Response to Reply #41
55. that's pretty much it in a nutshell
Edited on Tue Jul-12-05 09:01 PM by SlavesandBulldozers
it's a typical fundie business move really - doomed from the start - ya know - trying to compete with Disney and Universal in Orlando by building a Jesus-themed amusement park. Ya just can't write this shit.

i'm in orlando, and not too far from "The Holy Land Experience" there has been a small skyscraper that has been being built for the past 7 years by a televangelist. Apparently he didn't take out loans to build the thing, it has been built using the money he's bilked from the poor bastards who send it. Which accounts for why it has taken so long to build - and it's still not finished.

You can blame the I-4 corridor for many of this nation's ills. "It is a silly place."
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Sgent Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 09:16 PM
Response to Reply #29
61. Of course I wouldn't pay this park $30
That being said, my point was more that "charging an entrance fee" by itself doesn't mean that its not a religious activity/location.

As for me, yes I can deduct the $2500 on my tax return like a protestant. One significant difference is that my membership is not set by my income -- its per person/family. That money by itself is used for the synagouge and purposes of helping the local Jewish community. I'm expected to tithe an additional 10% of my income to charitable causes of any sort, which don't have to be connected to my synagogue.
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Miss Chybil Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 05:59 PM
Response to Reply #27
33. But, would you pay $30 to be converted on Mr. Job's Wild Ride?
Edited on Tue Jul-12-05 06:03 PM by Miss Chybil
Now, remember, it's tax free...

:woohoo:
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SaveAmerica Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 10:52 PM
Response to Reply #33
63. And you know where you'll end up at the end of that ride, right?
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Miss Chybil Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 12:01 AM
Response to Reply #63
72. I get my $30 back? nt
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SaveAmerica Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 12:49 AM
Response to Reply #72
75. On Toad the ride ends in Hell, it seems fitting for your Job ride,
but getting your money back makes better sense.
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Miss Chybil Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 03:28 PM
Response to Reply #75
92. Oh, but God just puts Job through hell and then gives him everything back.
I figured a ride in Christiantown would be hellish enough and at the end I'd be rewarded with a refund!
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BronxBoy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jul-14-05 11:29 AM
Response to Reply #72
108. Only if they can't convert you!
If you ask for a pastrami on rye at the snack bar...you're outta there
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cshldoc Donating Member (41 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 06:41 AM
Response to Reply #33
77. I did it!
And it cost more than 30 bucks, as I bought a Powerbook to replace my crusty Dell. Wait, you said "Mr. Job's" not "Mr Jobs". My bad...
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Initech Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 06:11 PM
Response to Reply #21
38. Wait a minute, this is a real place?
For a second, I thought I was reading an article from The Onion!
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SlavesandBulldozers Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 09:09 PM
Response to Reply #38
60. oh it's real.
i have to drive by it a lot. you can actually see the Temple of Solomon (on a small scale, I think its a gift shop) from I-4
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WCGreen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 10:59 PM
Response to Reply #21
66. I tip my hat to a master.....
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SlavesandBulldozers Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 05:08 PM
Response to Reply #66
100. wow. . thanks!
:toast:
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left hand man Donating Member (100 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 05:10 PM
Response to Original message
28. Give the church tax exempt status on the church itself(grudgingly)
and the cemetery. Otherwise treat the bible thumpers as you would ANY OTHER property owner/business.They suck money out of the local economy while returning minimal benefits.
ANY PREACHER who takes more than a bare living expense is a hypocrite .Lots of "holy men"(read Southern Babtist) in my area(North Ga.) make a DAMN GOOD living "spreading the word"(and sponging off local business) while others live in abject poverty in this area.
My .02 worth
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stepnw1f Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 05:54 PM
Response to Original message
30. Weeee... Brainwash Land!!!
Now I never need to inform myself again... Charlatans will do it all for me.

GOD FOR SALE.
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Miss Chybil Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 05:56 PM
Response to Original message
31. Do they have Palestinian Suiciders, too? Ooooh! Oooooh! I wanna go!
I wanna go!

Give me a FUCKING break. I wonder if they asked them just how many Jews drop by.
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LiberalFighter Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 06:07 PM
Response to Original message
36. That mean it is a charity contribution that can be deducted from taxes?
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Maddy McCall Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 07:34 PM
Response to Reply #36
42. Yep.
Amazing, isn't it? Now you can load up the Hummer (which you got through a tax right-off) and use your tax refund check to pay for gas to take your spawn to Fundieland, which won't cost you a penny, because admission is a charitable contribution!

Makes you want to be rich and white, doesn't it. :D
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BattyDem Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 07:04 PM
Response to Original message
39. Oh yeah ... this sounds like a really fun place for a vacation.
I bet the kids are THRILLED they're going here instead of Disney World! :eyes:

Why does every f*cking thing they do have to be based on religion? It's as if they're terrified that their faith will disappear if they don't have Jesus on the brain 24/7!

I mean no offense to Christian DUers ... I'm not trying to ridicule religion, I just don't understand the fundies and their insatiable need to have everything be "Christified". Isn't God supposed to be everywhere and within all of us? :shrug:
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donco6 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 08:13 PM
Response to Reply #39
46. To your last question - yes.
I had a pastor once, who said he wanted his blood to be "Bibly". I still cringe when I get that visual.
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Buns_of_Fire Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 04:30 AM
Response to Reply #39
76. Robert Pirsig summed it up for me...
In Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, he said (and I'm paraphrasing here, since I don't have the book anymore)... that God can reside as easily in the circuits of a computer as He can in the petals of a lotus -- to think any less is to demean Him.
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Darwins Finch Donating Member (110 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 08:13 AM
Response to Reply #39
81. It is weakness of faith
Those who, in their heart, doubt their own conviction, are the ones who proclaim their purported faith the loudest. They are discomfitted by the presence of disbelief in others, for it renews the pangs of their own doubt. Only by continual immersion can they drown out the small still voice in their heart that dares ask "what if?"
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leesa Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 07:29 PM
Response to Original message
40. "Holy Land"????WTF is that? How can these morons be public officials?
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delete_bush Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 08:02 PM
Response to Original message
43. content aside, they have a pretty cool
web site. I've not seen sites for other amusement parks so maybe this is typical, but this is I have to say impressive.

And the dress code is pretty liberal, one of the guys was wearing a robe and had long hair and a beard. Short-haired conservative types all dressed alike were after him.
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SlavesandBulldozers Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 09:04 PM
Response to Reply #43
56. bwahahahah
"And the dress code is pretty liberal, one of the guys was wearing a robe and had long hair and a beard."

nice:spray:
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Lars39 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 08:12 PM
Response to Original message
45. I've got a swingset in the back yard.
Would that be enough to get me tax exempt status? :grr:
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BronxBoy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jul-14-05 11:35 AM
Response to Reply #45
109. Naw....
You gotta convert someone as they swing. Since Holyland has the Jew to Christian market sewed up, why not go after the atheist to christian sector?

You might only be able to charge 20 bucks but as you convert more and more heathens, your park will grow and you too will live tax free
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seejanerun Donating Member (71 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 08:26 PM
Response to Original message
50. I hate to say it
But I am beginning to think that all churches should pay taxes. I could be wrong--maybe a compromise?
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SlavesandBulldozers Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 09:05 PM
Response to Reply #50
57. well let's not throw the baby jesus out with the holy-water here.
how about we just keep to taxing amusement parks? that's a good start.
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VegasWolf Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 08:28 PM
Response to Original message
51. These are the proper swimming attire required for the Jesus Lagoon -
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SlavesandBulldozers Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 09:07 PM
Response to Reply #51
58. omfg
i loved the fluorescent green burkas.
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SaveAmerica Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 10:55 PM
Response to Reply #51
64. The slimming swimmer's not working! That's right back to
Victorian days with the billowing entrance into the water from the bathhouse on wheels.
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DanCa Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 08:29 PM
Response to Original message
52. Idol worship
I am a christian this seems so offensive to me beyond words.
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Initech Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 05:09 PM
Response to Reply #52
101. Isnt that the second commandment?
I get the feeling the fundies need to read the commandments list again.
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WillyT Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 08:44 PM
Response to Original message
53. But... But... I've Always LOVED The "Who Would Jesus Bomb" Ride !!!
Edited on Tue Jul-12-05 08:47 PM by WillyT
Ladies... And Gentleman !!!!

Our own Arcane1 fresh (well freshly) off Google Images!!!



Dude!!! Brewskis in the Berkeleys, yo ???

:bounce::loveya::bounce:
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jsamuel Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 08:50 PM
Response to Original message
54. You can also hold a music concert to spread the word of god and charge $30
is there any taxes on the price of renting the area were you have the concert? If there is, then I think that would be precident.
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SlavesandBulldozers Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 09:08 PM
Response to Reply #54
59. yeah I saw Tesh live at Golgotha there.
great fucking show man, Tesh jams.
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WCGreen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 11:04 PM
Response to Original message
67. Well Disney gets a huge tax break because they
use part of Dinsey World in an "Agricultural" way....

Seriously, Orlando makes so much money off the tourists, they don't need to charge any property tax to the "exhibitors".

I find that utterly contempteous and just another example of taxing the working folk of America while the rich and famous and aparently the chirsitan, get away scott free....
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jsamuel Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 11:47 PM
Response to Reply #67
70. Property tax in Florida goes to the State
Florida has no income tax.

So, if they do not pay property or sales tax, then they contribute 0 dollars in taxes every year.
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WCGreen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 12:12 AM
Response to Reply #70
73. Doesn't some of the property tax stay in the counties...
That was my impression at least....
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BronxBoy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jul-14-05 11:38 AM
Response to Reply #70
110. Which is probably why
Edited on Thu Jul-14-05 11:39 AM by BronxBoy
Florida has one of the worst educational systems in the country.

edited for spelling
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Pretty_in_CodePink Donating Member (256 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 10:38 AM
Response to Reply #67
90. That agriculture clause is controversial too
A number of hotels own land and plant pine trees to call it agriculture until they are ready to build.

I really don't think the attitude here is that property taxes don't need to be paid because of the tourist revenue. That rationale translates to the lack of income tax for individuals.

While Disney does find its tax loopholes. It pays and collects lots too between property and sales and tourist tax. This place will be paying none. So there is no support for the stresses on the community caused by its guests and employees. No money for the schools its employees need, no money for infrastructure. They just take the money and run.

I don't know of any Jewish person who has gone there. But then I only know about 6 people who have been there - staunch Christian fundamentalist types. I will definitely be writing letters on this one.

Orange County is directly losing 1/2% sales tax - I think designated for school development, rehab. I don't know how much other we get from sales tax. I guess that's the source for much of the state money.
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insane_cratic_gal Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 11:28 PM
Response to Original message
68. This is a joke?
WTF.. you go on the Noah's ark ride..

Parting of the sea on IMAX?

games include dose the burning bush. (pun not intended)

I'm going to declare myself a church maybe I can be exempt from paying taxes.
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dhinojosa Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 11:42 PM
Response to Original message
69. I'm fucking going, that's all there is to it, and while I am there....
I am getting drunk! I am going on a ride and then afterwards yell out "Holy Fucking Christ did that ride suck!", "Hey everyone! lets get high!"

Awesome!
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genieroze Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jul-12-05 11:50 PM
Response to Original message
71. Oh give me a break, BTW I'm a Christian and this is BS.
Edited on Tue Jul-12-05 11:50 PM by genieroze
At 30.00 a pop the are not a nonprofit organization.

Edited to add: It's tacky
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Not_Giving_Up Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 12:21 AM
Response to Original message
74. They even beg for donations on their website
Funding

Zion's Hope Inc. is a not-for-profit religious organization that is governed by a board of directors. The ministry is primarily funded by donations from its generous supporters.

Our missionaries take the Gospel to the Jewish people – in both the U.S. and Israel. Their support is totally funded by contributions from committed friends of Zion's Hope. Gifts may be given online via our secure Internet server. We have a multitude of ministry area designations to help you better direct your contributions as you desire.

If you would like more information about our missionary outreach, please call us at 1-800-447-7235 and ask for Stan Rosenthal, Director of Field Ministries at Zion's Hope.



I think we should call and give them an education on non-profit.
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noonwitch Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 07:29 AM
Response to Original message
78. It looks kind of fun, in a campy way
If one was in the right frame of mind, that is.

I'm a huge fan of roadside attractions. It would fit in with the Florida trip I plan someday, when I stop to see the mermaids at WicheeWatchee (or whatever that place is called), watch gator wrestling at "Gatorland" and stop at the truck stop with the sign that says "Jesus is coming and Grandma's a-cooking".
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moggie Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 07:34 AM
Response to Original message
79. Is Ned Flanders behind this?
I used to think The Simpsons imitated life, but, dang-diddly-o, I increasingly feel it's the other way round.
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GeekMonkey Donating Member (418 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 07:38 AM
Response to Original message
80. I dont understand why ANY church gets to avoid taxes
Why should ANY of my tax dollars go to support the perpetuation of religious myths that enable the radical right to take away my rights.

I'm sick of these churches getting tax exemption.

On Peachtree Street in Atlanta, there are HUGE churches, that, not only do not pay taxes on million dollar real estate, they get to take up a lane for parking, increasing traffic hassles for those of us that don't buy into their silly fairy tales.

Religion is evil and I wish I had been born a few hundred years from now where we would look back at religion the same as we now look back at those that 'healed' people with leeches.

Science will eventually disprove most religion except to the most hardened anti-intellectuals, and hopefully, they will be marginalized to the fringe.
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Darwins Finch Donating Member (110 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 08:18 AM
Response to Reply #80
82. I think I'm in love
Science will eventually disprove most religion except to the most hardened anti-intellectuals, and hopefully, they will be marginalized to the fringe.

:loveya:
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redqueen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 10:26 AM
Response to Reply #80
89. I know you've been here a little while...
but welcome to DU!

:hi:
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DemBeans Donating Member (669 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 08:55 AM
Response to Original message
83. wow, you can be stupid and not pay taxes, too
From their site:



Please any "pallet"?
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AzDar Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 09:59 AM
Response to Reply #83
85. Oh god...You simply must try the Last Temptation of the Crepes!! LOL!
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drm604 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 03:58 PM
Response to Reply #83
93. They certainly could use a proof reader.
And I'm surprised that they cater to vegetarians. Isn't that a heathen practice?
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progressoid Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 10:02 AM
Response to Original message
86. Stop Christian Bashing! Stop Christian Bashing!
Sorry, couldn't resist.

Continue.
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Megahurtz Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 11:13 AM
Response to Original message
91. Wow! Rakin' in the tax free bucks in the name of the Lord!
Isn't THAT using His name in vain?:shrug:
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greekspeak Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 04:15 PM
Response to Original message
94. Cynthia MacKinnon: What would you say if I opened a devil worship park?
If I open a park for Christians to come over to the side of the devil, with rides, and charged 30 bucks for the day, would she give me the green light to stop paying taxes on it? Does she have evidence or justification that I am not spreading that I am spreading what I "considers to be God's word?" I am sure she would have the park closed down as an abomination. Somehow I doubt anyone but nutty Christians like those who have this park can get away with such crap.
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Paganini Donating Member (39 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 04:29 PM
Response to Original message
95. Mc Christians- oy! n/t
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Maine-ah Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 04:33 PM
Response to Original message
96. ok, somebody e-mail this to the Daily Show
they'd have a field day with it!!
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Maine-ah Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 04:55 PM
Response to Original message
98. These people have the nuts to ask for donations:
Funding

Zion's Hope Inc. is a not-for-profit religious organization that is governed by a board of directors. The ministry is primarily funded by donations from its generous supporters.

Our missionaries take the Gospel to the Jewish people – in both the U.S. and Israel. Their support is totally funded by contributions from committed friends of Zion's Hope. Gifts may be given online via our secure Internet server. We have a multitude of ministry area designations to help you better direct your contributions as you desire.

If you would like more information about our missionary outreach, please call us at 1-800-447-7235 and ask for Stan Rosenthal, Director of Field Ministries at Zion's Hope.

https://oldscrollshop.zionshope.org/donations/index.html
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SangamonTaylor Donating Member (537 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 04:59 PM
Response to Original message
99. Welcome to Reverend Wayne's Pearly Gates! n/t
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silvershadow Donating Member (321 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 11:12 PM
Response to Original message
102. wow this is awesome....I think I will
move to florida and start a theme park, I mean church. The First Church of Democracy. I can charge large admission fees and pay no taxes, right?
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SeanQuinn Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 11:26 PM
Response to Original message
103. See, this is taken a bit out of context.
I think this is only right because the park here in Orlando is struggling. Why? No religious base? Wrong, the Christian rock station is very popular among families here. Nope, it's because it was placed next to the it-came-after-the-park-was-built Mall at Millenia. Ritzy types head to the very expensive Millenia while Holy Land is left to struggle.

Now, in general, I think the tax should be applied, but since Holy Land itself is struggling, I can see why the ruling makes sense.
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Pretty_in_CodePink Donating Member (256 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 11:52 PM
Response to Reply #103
105. Why does the ruling make sense?
Other businesses in Orange County are struggling. If they are unable to meet their expenses, including taxes, they are not viable and close. They are not given special dispensation because of inability to pay. I do not see in the article nor have I heard in other reports that the Holy Land's inability to pay was a consideration in this ruling. It is based on their stated religious function - which is really a commercial one.

The Mall of Milenia has nothing to do with the lack of success of the Holy Land. Ostensibly, it should help it because it brings lots of traffic past the park. People just aren't interested in going there. I don't think people are choosing between The Holy Land and Macy's. Between Bloomingdales or Macy's or Nieman Marcus is more likely their consideration.

Although the mall may have opened after the Holy Land it was planned for years. I suspect The Holy Land even factored this into the decision to build in it's location. Aren't the heathens shopping in the Ritzy Mall a great target market for conversion?

I don't understand your point.
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SeanQuinn Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jul-14-05 12:33 AM
Response to Reply #105
106. Ah, I see where you're coming from.
I can see now. And hi from up here in Seminole County.
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Pretty_in_CodePink Donating Member (256 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Jul-14-05 06:52 AM
Response to Reply #106
107. I'm a few miles from The Holy Land
near Dr. Phillips. And a little defensive about Milenia (why do they spell it with only 1 n?) I guess because I like that Macy's is close and convenient.
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mitchum Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jul-13-05 11:30 PM
Response to Original message
104. Onward, Christian Grifters!
tax cheats and rotten motherfuckers
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