Why not give EVERYONE, a tax exempt status so everyone has the opportunity to accumulate wealth?
Yes we would still need to pay for essential government, like the military etc. but that could be done more as an "assessment" rather than a "penalty" for making a profit or earning income.
Taxes both up front and hidden are absolutely crushing the wealth accumulating potential of every American. The tax exempt status of churches make that all to obvious.
“Statesmen my dear Sir, may plan and speculate for Liberty, but it is Religion and Morality alone, which can establish the Principles upon which Freedom can securely stand. ... The only foundation of a free Constitution, is pure Virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our People, in a great Measure, than they have it now, They may change their Rulers, and the forms of Government, but they will not obtain a lasting Liberty.” —John Adams
Churches provide a priceless service and the cost of government would go up up up without them. I am not saying all churches do what they are supposed to do. But the churches Obama is targeting are the very ones most likely doing what they should be doing.