Oh, Christian Right, gather close and listen. Governor Rick Perry is going to jump into the GOP 2012 circus before too long. I'm already seeing reports that friendly organizations are running web ads in New Hampshire, and many on the far edge of the Christian Right are clamoring for his entry into this godless bunch of lunatics already in the race.
So here's something you should know about that Christian Right bunch. They don't believe in government, and argue that it is the duty of the church to take care of the poor, sick, and needy. This is an argument I see every single day, without fail. And as someone familiar with such matters, I'll go one step farther and say that the minimum amount expected to be given from believers is 10% of their income, which is why this post has the title it has.
The Perry family's income tax return shows Perry gave $90 to his church in 2007, a year in which he reported an income of more than $1 million, the San Antonio Express-News reported in Sunday's edition. Tax records from 2000, when Perry became governor, through 2009 show he earned $2.68 million and gave $14,243 to churches and religious organizations, about a half percent, the newspaper reported.
Perry reported no religious contributions in 2000 and 2009, according to his tax records.
Americans averaged giving nearly 1.2 percent of their income to churches and religious groups in 2004-08, according to the Illinois-based research firm Empty Tomb Inc., which tracks church-giving trends.
See, it's not enough to just pound your chest in the public square and call for national prayer, and blame economic problems on God paying us back for our wanton ways. You're supposed to actually live what you preach, and one way you live it is by giving it.
Rick Perry, you're exposed as the guy who talks a lot but doesn't live it. I expect this series to continue as the campaign unfolds.
