Sqwertz > wrote:
> pavane <pavane >> wrote:
>
>> "Sqwertz" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> Jonathan Kamens <Jonathan Kamens >>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> http://www.snopes.com/racial/business/kosher.asp
>>>>
>>>> "Claim: Certain symbols displayed on the packaging of a variety of
>>>> grocery items signify that their manufacturers have paid a secrete
>>>> tax to the Jews.
>>>>
>>>> "Status: False."
>>>
>>> I prefer to call it extortion, but it's all in the name of God
>>> so it must be OK.

>>> Extortion is what it is.

>> We are glad that you set us straight on that. It is good to have a
>> definitive explanation that a few thousand years of religious and
>> traditional history are extortion. Thank you for your service to humanity.

> What else would you call these private corporations set up
> to certify your products kosher for large, reoccurring fees,
> or else be subjected to a boycott by the Jewish community?

Providing a service to fools that believe that some damned
god or other has specified what they can or cannot eat etc.

> If it was truly for religious reasons, wouldn't it be
> done on a volunteer basis as an act of goodwill?

Cant think of any that are done like that.

You dont get funerals or christenings or marraiges for free etc.

> There doesn't seem to be any basis for these arbitrary dietary
> laws in the first place, except to keep you aware of your faith
> and the threat of going to hell if you don't obey these laws.

Doesnt make it extortion.