Exhibit A

[Asher]

to Ben for being unpatriotic by assisting tax dodgers.

[Ben Kenobi]

Yeah, like the government actually would help me when I need it. Don't see any need to help them unnecessarily.

[Flubber]

Hmm, interesting. My current landlord is a fairly large owner, owns an apt complex, and they prefer cash. So much so they dropped the deposit.

hmm -- you probably assisted them in tax fraud --

edit-- I see I should read the whole thread before commenting

But Ben isn't it unchristian to assist people in stealing( even from the government) -- Or do you take a literal view of that whole "thou shalt not steal" thing so it doesn't include helping others to steal or turning a blind eye to it ?

[Lorizael]

to Ben for being unpatriotic by assisting tax dodgers.

Get out of the thread, Asher. You're not allowed to bait Ben anymore. No discussion.

[Jon Miller]

Ben also ignores Christ's injunction to give to Caesar the things that are Caesars.

JM

[Flubber]

Get out of the thread, Asher. You're not allowed to bait Ben anymore. No discussion.

I assume others are allowed to challenge Ben? It seemed a legitimate enough question to ask Ben .


Oh adn I hope my answer was serious enough to warrant no bans .

[Lorizael]

Asher and BK have a special relationship.

[Flubber]

Asher and BK have a special relationship.

I know-- I have witnessed much of what makes them "special".

Ok -- I was just happy to confirm that I can call Ben on anything when I see fit LOL.

[Ben Kenobi]

Ben also ignores Christ's injunction to give to Caesar the things that are Caesars.

Wow, where do you get that out of it. I pay my taxes. If a business is willing to give me a substantial discount for the purpose of paying in cash rather then dealing with the hassle of a cheque, what is wrong with me in doing so?

Again, if the other person chooses not to report the income I gave them, that is not my responsibility. That is theirs.

[Ben Kenobi]

But Ben isn't it unchristian to assist people in stealing( even from the government)

First, I consider taxation to be theft. Government doesn't earn money, except that which it takes from other people. Yes, Christians have a duty to render under caesar, but that is a personal duty, in the sense that we must report fairly our own dealings to the state. I don't believe we have an obligation to act as tax collectors, even in the sense that we record the dealings of other people.

-- Or do you take a literal view of that whole "thou shalt not steal" thing so it doesn't include helping others to steal or turning a blind eye to it ?

Again, I view the desire to evade taxes the same as choosing not to drive on a toll road. I see nothing wrong with rendering unto caesar that which he is owed. I see nothing wrong in negotiating with the tollkeeper to change or lower the fee.

WRT to other things, such as medical and car insurance, I see it as my duty to provide those for myself if I choose to do so. If I were to get in an accident, then I have the obligation to bear the full cost of repairs myself. I understand the motivation behind car insurance, but again, it should be my decision whether or not I choose to buy insurance on the vehicle over the very real risk of an accident. The same for medical services. If I want to take the risk of paying the full freight that should be my option.

I think it is unchristian to demand that others support your tax and spending schemes for the benefit of yourself, and to lay heavy burdens on your brothers and sisters. We are called to help each other bear our burdens voluntarily, not coercively through the state.

[Asher]

Get out of the thread, Asher. You're not allowed to bait Ben anymore. No discussion.

The power's going to your head, Lori. I did nothing against the rules. Someone else even independently said the same thing, which is really an obvious observation.

Back the **** off. You're starting to get overly aggressive with your input and moderation. You're even doing it in public to get off on it instead of a far more effective and direct PM.

Tone it down.

[Lorizael]

Sorry, but no. When every conversation you have with BK turns into a ****fest, and when you refuse to simply ignore him, I reserve the right to tell you to stop talking to him.

[Asher]

If you don't like it you can feel free to ignore me. So long as I stay within the rules I will post as I please. It would've been far more wise for you to take this stance when I say something far more out there than simply saying Ben is supporting tax evaders by paying his rent in cash, as per the landlord's insistence.

Pick your fights and all that. If you wish to discuss in detail the nature of the Asher/Ben dynamic and the one thing we can do to put an end to it, you can bring it up with me via PM. I promise to stop attaching sexually graphic pictures to our correspondence.

Edit: Does this have to do with Plomp slapping you down for banning Ben for his antics recently? I heard you even had to apologize to the guy. And now you're overcompensating in the other direction. Don't worry, I don't need an apology.

[Lorizael]

Uh, what? Plomp was displeased when I want all Jewy on zakubandit, but that's it. I apologized publicly for that, of my own volition. When was the last time I banned BK?

[Asher]

I guess he lies about you too. Nevermind, I'll PM you.