There has now been some backlash, from citizens who feel that these funds should not come from tax dollars. Although monies have been donated to Katrina victims and other non-local crisis situations, the fevered pitch of Costas detractors has risen. A few thoughts, and I'll leave to commenters:
- It is not illegal for a community to give dollars to a not for profit
- The anti-Christian rhetoric is foolish post modern political correctness, even our kids know we are a nation based on Christian principles that allows freedom of religions and speech for all. We are not a nation of anti-religion, we are a nation that embraces the freedom of religious expression. There is nothing illegal or immoral about giving money to a group that is introducing Haitians to Jesus Christ. I've just about had it with political correctness being force on all of us.
- When the county gave $600,000 to an out of town not for profit to treat ... zero ... drug addicts ... when there was a local mental health organization doing the same thing, no one stood up and screamed. Porter Starke Services, the local group, wasn't even asked to testify on whether it was a good idea to sent the money.
- All that said, Mayor Costas does host an annual Mayor's Ball and raises money for charitable purposes. Each year these funds are partitioned out to multiple local not for profit groups. Unless there is some hue and cry from the hinterland, I think for the most part we all feel this is a good thing for a Mayor to do.
- So, if the donation of city funds is bothering people ... and this needs to be remembered when it comes to the county too ... then perhaps the Mayor should give the $10,000 from the Mayor Ball fund which is private and dedicated to charity.
