Although they're not in my diocese, I think I'm going to send them a letter letting them know exactly how much I have already paid in taxes and how much I give in charitable contributions. Then I'll tell them how happy I am to find out that "giving to Caesar" can now be considered a form of charitable giving thereby relieving me of my obligation to commit corporal works of mercy through monetary donations to any charity, including the Church. Afterall, the bible calls for tithing at 10 percent, and my taxes are WELL over that amount.
In case you're not outraged enough, in this statement, these guys have taken a page right out of the communist manifesto:
"In Catholic teaching, paying taxes flows from the virtues of justice and love because taxes are one of the means by which we share our blessings with the poor and vulnerable and build up the common good. The just collection and distribution of tax revenues are important functions of government, for government is a means to do together what we cannot accomplish on our own...
Government requires the payment of taxes from its citizens because it has the responsibility to serve the common good, provide a safety net for the vulnerable, defend human life, rights and dignity, overcome discrimination and ensure equal opportunity for all. Among other things, taxes allow us to build roads, and develop public transit systems, educate our children, protect our families and homes, invest in economic and agricultural development, safeguard our environment, and, most importantly, care for our brothers and sisters in need."
I think I'm going to go throw up now...