Basically, the idea goes like this. Money was a nice bartering idea, we tried it, it sucks. So, in lue of money or any bartering system everyone gets what they need. On the surface it sounds like trumped up socialism but that idea sucks too. There is an entire group of people that have worked on exactly how the world would work, they call it The Venus Project. I think some of it is a bit over the top but...check it out at http://www.thevenusproject.com/

From the site: Simply stated, a resource-based economy utilizes existing resources rather than money and provides an equitable method of distributing these resources in the most efficient manner for the entire population. It is a system in which all goods and services are available without the use of money, credits, barter, or any other form of debt or servitude.

It isn't perfect but they take out the politics and frankly it is the best idea I've heard so far.

I consider myself a member of the Green party politically but I have a major issue with their ideas of tolerance. We have gotten to the point where tolerance and the first amendment means letting racist, sexist, hateful ideas spread. Tolerating intolerance is about as useful as intolerance itself. I am all for liberalism, but not at the expense of justice and truth.

The so-called 'Real America' that Sarah Palin talked about came to my mind when I read this. 'Real Americans' that worship a certain way and think that Democracy and Capitalism are the best and only way. I think that being a patriot means wanting what is best for your country, wanting it to improve even if it means changing everything. I myself support a resource-based economy which would result in less political bull in general as well as the abolition of the money system.

Jack:
I respectfully disagree with you about religion and science being diametrically opposed. Maybe in the infant years of scientific thought, but not now. One idea is based on faith, the other on substantiated evidence and testing. I've read the bible front to back in several translations, both as a theist and as an atheist. I thought the biblical God was an ass before I lost faith. Even if the Christian God was proven tp exist I would not worship him, I find myself morally opposed to his values.
While I myself know intelligent theists and know that some of them have great scientific minds, I do think it is ultimately a limitation to knowledge when you accept religious dogma. When you accept the premise of faith, you are willing to deny facts based on that faith. In the end, a choice must be made by intellectual theists.

You made plenty of assumptions. I never said there weren't intelligent Christians.
I do however think that if you expand your knowledge in those areas while denying reason when it comes to the idea of a 'creator', you are putting yourself in a box. Usually individuals that know cosmology and study QP yet have a belief in God are compartmentalizing, thus the metaphorical box. I understand if you find that insulting, but it is my opinion.

I was a bit rude when this conversation started and for that I apologize. I have found that an argumentative approach is rarely helpful. My attitude was due to a related conversation I had with my mother and my comments were made while I was still emotionally frustrated.

You are entitled to whatever beliefs you want to cling to and I am entitled to think that those beliefs are nuts. The same is true for you.

By the way, I am female.

Well I guess I assumed as much about you as you did about me. Have fun in your belief box.

I don't know if you are asking me, but...
I am an atheist. The last time I went to church was over 2 years ago. I was raised as a Jehovah's Witness but ever since I was 13, I went to several other places of worship. I have endlessly researched all the major religions and a few off the wall groups.
I probably know more about the bible than you do. You "God" is not great and he does not deserve glory.
There are ways that God could convince we he exists, sure. Convince we to worship him? Not if he is anything like the God depicted in any of the popular holy books.

Church supported charity comes with a price, indoctrination. I realize they think that it's the best way but it doesn't make it any less hypocritical. All you have to do is look at any mega church to know where donations go. Not all churches, but they are popping up everywhere.
If you give one superstitous group a pass to financial freedom, you have to give it to them all. I can start a church tomorrow and take donations. If the IRS came after me I'd sue. I'd put everything I own on the bet that I would win. America has put religion on a pedestal. Look at what is happening in Great Britian or the UK's blasphemy laws...
It's becoming illegal to question any major religion, slowly but surely. I don't want my tax dollars supporting that cause.

For the record, I don't think spreading religious propaganda in other countries should count as "charity."
The boy scouts recieve government money, which means they legally cannot discriminate, and yet they do.

Throughout the last Presidental election, CNN covered several stories of various religious leaders (both independent churches and otherwise) promoting a candidate. Many others were quoted saying things like "Vote with God." When something goes wrong religion blames it on our nation's "sins". If that is getting involved in politics, I don't know what is! They get involved but I've yet to hear a story about a church losing it's exempt status. Why? Same reason I would win against the IRS. Religious freedom has become a front for money-hungry creeps and no one does a thing about it, it's untouchable.

Do you think that the tax emeption status that is given to churches is not a violation? Most churches do not send donations to charities, they keep them. If 100% of the money was honestly going to charity, there would be no need for any extention of tax-exemption.

What about the Boy Scouts of America? They don't even claim to be a church and yet they are faith-based and receiving government money. You aren't allowed to be a scout if you don't believe in God, it is one of their own tenets.
Religious organizations, regardless of their age or beliefs, need to be held accountable financially. They can build extravagant worship houses and their leaders can afford the luxurious lifestyle and yet they tell people to give 'till it hurts. Religion clearly needs no help from tax payers. They already get most of their money.

http://www.napavalleyregister.com/articles/2007/03/19/news/national/doc45fe8660bcdb9407470445.txt

That site is nothing more than quote mine after quote mine. Try something scientific.