The ARK PARK is go!
Garrison Hilliard
Noah's Ark theme park gets go-ahead
FRANKFORT, Ky.? Ark Encounter, the biblical theme park proposed to be
built in Grant County, has been approved for more than $40 million in
tax rebates from Kentucky.
The Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority voted unanimously
Thursday to grant the tax incentives for the $172.5 million project
that?s otherwise being financed by a group of private investors,
including Answers in Genesis, the nonprofit ministry that built the
Creation Museum in Petersburg.
The park, which will feature a Noah?s Ark replica, will be built near
Veterans Cemetery North in Williamstown.
Gov. Steve Beshear has said he favors tax incentives for the ark park
that?s projected to create 600 to 700 full-time jobs and have an
economic impact of more than $250 million in its first year of
operation.
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?I?m delighted that Governor Beshear sees the wisdom of creating jobs
in this down economy, and specifically in Grant County,? said Grant
County Judge-executive Darrell Link.
But the theme park has triggered controversy, with critics contending
it?s a direct violation of the separation of church and state,
particularly because of the use of a state tax incentive.
Americans United for Separation of Church and State, a Washington,
D.C-based church and state watchdog group, blasted Kentucky officials
for granting the theme park the tax incentives.
The group contends Gov. Steve Beshear?s support of the development for
creating jobs in the state is not a good enough reason for Kentucky to
promote the project.
?The state of Kentucky should not be promoting the spread of
fundamentalist Christianity or any other religious viewpoint,? stated
the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United. ?Let
these folks build their fundamentalist Disneyland without government
help.?
The authority considers applications for the incentives granted under
the Kentucky Tourism Act, which allows eligible tourism attractions a
rebate of sales tax up to 25 percent of project capital costs over a
10-year period. Projects must meet certain criteria to be eligible,
including having a positive economic impact for the commonwealth. The
rebate is tied to performance. The authority gave final approval plans
by Ark Encounters LLC, granting it the maximum incentive available of
about $43.1 million over 10 years for the theme park.
Local officials were excited that the state backed the project.
Link said the theme park, projected to open in early 2014, is expected
to draw about 1.6 million visitors a year.
?I?m delighted that the state will provide tax incentive dollars for
this project,? he said.
He said it will provide 965 direct jobs mainly in Williamstown and
Grant County
Link said the theme park also will inject millions of dollars into the
local and state economies in several ways.
He said that money will come from the park?s ticket and retail sales
and from visitors eating and staying at new restaurants and hotels
that will be built in the area to accommodate the development.
Link said he also understands the criticism the development has drawn.
But, he said, ?Grant County residents fully support and embrace this
religious theme park.?
The park will include a first century village, a replica of the Tower
of Babel, retail stores, restaurants, indoor and outdoor theaters and
live animal shows featuring giraffes and elephants.
The project?s mission, according to Answers in Genesis ministry
co-founder Mike Zovath, is to lend credence to the biblical account of
a catastrophic flood and to dispel doubts that Noah could have fit two
of every kind of animal in an ark. He expects groundbreaking in
August.
Investors, who have looked at sites across the country for the
proposed theme park, settled on the Kentucky site that is within a
day?s drive of two-thirds of the nation?s population.
http://nky.cincinnati.com/article/AB/20110519/NEWS0103/305190056/
Mark Buchanan
Not a bad setup when you think about it: get the faithful to donate to
the cause then skip the taxes once it is running. There is lots of
money to be made catering to the ignorant - but that has always been
true.
Steven L.
news:i9vct65crdk9rpfcm...@4ax.com...
> Gov. Steve Beshear has said he favors tax incentives for the ark park
> that?s projected to create 600 to 700 full-time jobs and have an
> economic impact of more than $250 million in its first year of
> operation.
> . . . .
> But the theme park has triggered controversy, with critics contending
> it?s a direct violation of the separation of church and state,
> particularly because of the use of a state tax incentive.
> Americans United for Separation of Church and State, a Washington,
> D.C-based church and state watchdog group, blasted Kentucky officials
> for granting the theme park the tax incentives.
Americans United would have a stronger argument, if they proposed an
alternative way to provide 600+ full-time jobs to the folks in that county.
Because while it's sad that this is what those folks are going to be working
on, it sure beats being unemployed.
Especially when the unemployment rate in Kentucky is 10%, they need to
attract every employment opportunity they can get.
And for Rev. Lynn to suggest that separation of church and state requires
that the project be canceled even if there are no obvious alternative
employment prospects for those folks is, well, not very liberal. He's a
reverend, so I expected a more positive approach from him rather than
leaving the folks in that county without the jobs.
-- Steven L.
r norman
During a previous severe economic downturn, the WPA proved to be a
very effective way of putting millions of Americans to work doing
socially useful things. Many of the creations of the WPA are still
being used and enjoyed by many people today. Of course even
suggesting anything of the kind now would be totally rejected and
ridiculed as pure socialism and completely unAmerican!
Free Lunch
>"Garrison Hilliard" wrote in message
>news:i9vct65crdk9rpfcm...@4ax.com...
>
>> Gov. Steve Beshear has said he favors tax incentives for the ark park
>> that?s projected to create 600 to 700 full-time jobs and have an
>> economic impact of more than $250 million in its first year of
>> operation.
>
>> . . . .
>
>> But the theme park has triggered controversy, with critics contending
>> it?s a direct violation of the separation of church and state,
>> particularly because of the use of a state tax incentive.
>
>> Americans United for Separation of Church and State, a Washington,
>> D.C-based church and state watchdog group, blasted Kentucky officials
>> for granting the theme park the tax incentives.
>
>
>Americans United would have a stronger argument, if they proposed an
>alternative way to provide 600+ full-time jobs to the folks in that county.
>
>Because while it's sad that this is what those folks are going to be working
>on, it sure beats being unemployed.
The GOP wants people to be unemployed.
Adam R.
"Steven L." <sdli...@earthlinkNOSPAM.net> wrote in message
news:a7WdnWAwXsseRUvQ...@earthlink.com...
> "Garrison Hilliard" wrote in message
> news:i9vct65crdk9rpfcm...@4ax.com...
>
>> Gov. Steve Beshear has said he favors tax incentives for the ark park
>> that?s projected to create 600 to 700 full-time jobs and have an
>> economic impact of more than $250 million in its first year of
>> operation.
>
>> . . . .
>
>> But the theme park has triggered controversy, with critics contending
>> it?s a direct violation of the separation of church and state,
>> particularly because of the use of a state tax incentive.
>
>> Americans United for Separation of Church and State, a Washington,
>> D.C-based church and state watchdog group, blasted Kentucky officials
>> for granting the theme park the tax incentives.
>
>
> Americans United would have a stronger argument, if they proposed an
> alternative way to provide 600+ full-time jobs to the folks in that
> county.
Nonsense. The issue for AU is stopping government supporting religion.
Must they dream up an alternative, state funded theme park that would garner
votes from fundies, too?
There must certainly be more productive ways to spend state money in these
hard times than committing it to the enrichment of a weasel like Ken Ham.
--
Adam
Stuart
Put them working on a public works project, something to improve
infrastructure
and do some good.
Sinking $40M into a stupid Ark Museum is very Republican and stupid.
Sinking
$40M into better roads and bridges is good for commefce, jobs, and
won't get
your state laughed at. That is liberal.
He's a
> reverend, so I expected a more positive approach from him rather than
> leaving the folks in that county without the jobs.
Spend $40M on something that will do some good. Building a monument to
stupidity
with taxpayer dollars is a crime.
Stuart
SkyEyes
It would be called "socialism." Governments can't create one single
job, dontcha know? </sarcasm>
Brenda Nelson, A.A.#34
BAAWA Knight of the Golden Litterbox
EAC Professor of Feline Thermometrics and Cat-Herding
skyeyes nine at cox dot net OR
skyeyes nine at yahoo dot com
Mark Buchanan
>
> Because while it's sad that this is what those folks are going to be working
> on, it sure beats being unemployed.
> Especially when the unemployment rate in Kentucky is 10%, they need to
> attract every employment opportunity they can get.
>
It can be argued that part of the 10% unemployment rate is due to a
low education level. Is promoting ignorance a solution?
Mark
r norman
That doesn't explain the 5% unemployment rate among college grads.
Mark Buchanan
> On Sat, 21 May 2011 08:17:23 -0700 (PDT), Mark Buchanan
>
> >On May 20, 5:09 pm, "Steven L." <sdlit...@earthlinkNOSPAM.net> wrote:
>
> >> Because while it's sad that this is what those folks are going to be working
> >> on, it sure beats being unemployed.
> >> Especially when the unemployment rate in Kentucky is 10%, they need to
> >> attract every employment opportunity they can get.
>
> >> -- Steven L.
>
> >It can be argued that part of the 10% unemployment rate is due to a
> >low education level. Is promoting ignorance a solution?
>
> That doesn't explain the 5% unemployment rate among college grads.
No it doesn't but just like the 10% unemployment for the general
population the 5% for college grads has many factors. Education does
play a significant role however and one of AIG's biggest area of
propaganda is to warn children and parents about the dreaded 'millions
of years' education that they will get at secular colleges (and worse
- those Christian colleges that accept evolution as fact).
Mark
Rodjk #613
So...violating the US Constitution is OK, as long as it creates jobs?
Interesting point of view...
Rodjk #613
DougC
> Noah's Ark theme park gets go-ahead
''''''''''
> But the theme park has triggered controversy, with critics contending
>
> it?s a direct violation of the separation of church and state,
There are theme parks featuring Snow White, Mickey Mouse, and other
fictional beings. There are seasonal appearences by Santa Claus, the
Easter Bunny, and other tongue-in-cheek nonsense. These are not
direct violations of anything. Relax.
Doug Chandler
John S. Wilkins
Forgive my [soi-]distant observations, but the state isn't putting any
money into this; as I read it, they are only receiving tax breaks (which
relies upon them making money that might have been taxed, surely).
--
John S. Wilkins, Associate, Philosophy, University of Sydney
http://evolvingthoughts.net
But al be that he was a philosophre,
Yet hadde he but litel gold in cofre
Ron O
What is kind of sad is that they are willing to bring their religious
beliefs down to the level of Disneyland fairy tales and places like
Universal movie theme park.
Ron Okimoto
Frank J
>
> - Show quoted text -
How about a Rap-ture Roller coaster, like the Rock-n-Roller coaster?
You're late for the Rapture, then get a wild ride in the limo of a
Jesus-rapper...
Yes, Blondie, I will share the royalties with you. :-)
Kleuskes & Moos
The really, really sad part is that they don't even seem to see the
difference.
Walter Bushell
<5d6d9b9c-e320-4b50...@y19g2000yqk.googlegroups.com>,
Because there isn't any.
--
The Chinese pretend their goods are good and we pretend our money
is good, or is it the reverse?
Mitchell Coffey
> DougC<prig...@aol.com> wrote:
>
>> Garrison Hilliard wrote:
>>
>>> Noah's Ark theme park gets go-ahead
>> ''''''''''
>>> But the theme park has triggered controversy, with critics contending
>>>
>>> it?s a direct violation of the separation of church and state,
>>
>> There are theme parks featuring Snow White, Mickey Mouse, and other
>> fictional beings. There are seasonal appearences by Santa Claus, the
>> Easter Bunny, and other tongue-in-cheek nonsense. These are not
>> direct violations of anything. Relax.
>>
> Forgive my [soi-]distant observations, but the state isn't putting any
> money into this; as I read it, they are only receiving tax breaks (which
> relies upon them making money that might have been taxed, surely).
>
Yeah, but in a budget the state would have to make up for the forgone
income by taxing some other source. Most state constitutions require the
state to balance their budgets.
Mitchell
biblear...@hotmail.com
Noah's Ark has been proven archeologically so it cannot be a
"Disneyland fairy tale."
DanaTweedy
>snip
>>
>> What is kind of sad is that they are willing to bring their religious
>> beliefs down to the level of Disneyland fairy tales and places like
>> Universal movie theme park.
>>
>> Ron Okimoto
>
> Noah's Ark has been proven archeologically so it cannot be a
> "Disneyland fairy tale."
When was it "proven archeologically"? Please cite the appropriate
primary scientific literature.
DJT
>
Robert Weldon
news:b2468bb1-a195-431a...@r27g2000prr.googlegroups.com...
Actually, no, it hasn't.
SkyEyes
Cite, please?
Brenda Nelson, A.A.#34
skyeyes nine at cox dot net
mur...@tntech.edu
Well, scientists (archaeologists included) don't *prove* things,
little fella, they provide *evidence*.
But with that in mind, please provide a reference where I can read
about this evidence.
---DPM
Dakota
higher standards than the authors of the silly scriptures.
Ron O
Who was the poster with chariot wheels in the red sea and supposed Ark
evidence?
Ron Okimoto
Mark Isaak
> On May 22, 8:43 am, Ron O <rokim...@cox.net> wrote:
>
>> > >http://nky.cincinnati.com/article/AB/20110519/NEWS0103/305190056/
>>
>> What is kind of sad is that they are willing to bring their religious
>> beliefs down to the level of Disneyland fairy tales and places like
>> Universal movie theme park.
>
> Noah's Ark has been proven archeologically so it cannot be a
> "Disneyland fairy tale."
Proven false, you mean.
Besides, Caribbean pirates have been proven archeologically, and they are
a Disneyland fairy tale.
--
Mark Isaak eciton (at) earthlink (dot) net
"It is certain, from experience, that the smallest grain of natural
honesty and benevolence has more effect on men's conduct, than the most
pompous views suggested by theological theories and systems." - D. Hume
drma...@gmail.com
DanaTweedy <redd...@bresnan.net> wrote:
See Genesis. ::Rolls eyes::
jillery
> In article <UtgDp.5130$cs1.1...@newsfe15.iad>,
>
>
>
>
>
> DanaTweedy <reddfr...@bresnan.net> wrote:
> > On 5/25/11 3:40 PM, biblearcheol...@hotmail.com wrote:
> > >snip
>
> > >> What is kind of sad is that they are willing to bring their religious
> > >> beliefs down to the level of Disneyland fairy tales and places like
> > >> Universal movie theme park.
>
> > >> Ron Okimoto
>
> > > Noah's Ark has been proven archeologically so it cannot be a
> > > "Disneyland fairy tale."
>
> > When was it "proven archeologically"? Please cite the appropriate
> > primary scientific literature.
>
> > DJT
>
> See Genesis. ::Rolls eyes::
Genesis is not an authoritive or verifiable source of historical
information. Try again.
drma...@gmail.com
<a0748f09-24aa-4334...@a26g2000vbo.googlegroups.com>,
jillery <69jp...@gmail.com> wrote:
I thought the roll eyes would let you know I was being sarcastic. Sorry
for not being more clear.
They don't need a verifiable source or any authority other than the
Bible.
It's not rocket science, or any other kind of science for that matter.
Frank J
>
> - Show quoted text -
Yet, ironically it is closer to real science than what ID has to
offer. At least YEC and OEC make testable (& easily falsified)
statements regarding "what happened when" in biological history. ID
refuses to do even that.
ID's refusal to use the Bible as an authority is tactially brilliant,
even if it doesn't help them keep their pseudoscience out of public
schools. They know it can't be taken literally (in none of the common
mutually contradictory interpretations) in light of the evidence, but
by refusing to comment either way, they allow their audiences to infer
that their particular interpretation is validated by default.
Mark Isaak
> [...]
> ID's refusal to use the Bible as an authority is tactially brilliant,
> ...
It was a good choice for them, but it was hardly brilliant. They only
made that choice after trying every other choice and finding that they
didn't work.
jillery
>
>
>
>
>
> jillery <69jpi...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > On May 29, 9:11 pm, drmat...@gmail.com wrote:
> > > In article <UtgDp.5130$cs1.1...@newsfe15.iad>,
>
> > > DanaTweedy <reddfr...@bresnan.net> wrote:
> > > > On 5/25/11 3:40 PM, biblearcheol...@hotmail.com wrote:
> > > > >snip
>
> > > > >> What is kind of sad is that they are willing to bring their religious
> > > > >> beliefs down to the level of Disneyland fairy tales and places like
> > > > >> Universal movie theme park.
>
> > > > >> Ron Okimoto
>
> > > > > Noah's Ark has been proven archeologically so it cannot be a
> > > > > "Disneyland fairy tale."
>
> > > > When was it "proven archeologically"? Please cite the appropriate
> > > > primary scientific literature.
>
> > > > DJT
>
> > > See Genesis. ::Rolls eyes::
>
> > Genesis is not an authoritive or verifiable source of historical
> > information. Try again.
>
> I thought the roll eyes would let you know I was being sarcastic. Sorry
> for not being more clear.
I caught the sarcasm, but missed to whom it was directed. My bad.
> They don't need a verifiable source or any authority other than the
> Bible.
>
johnetho...@yahoo.com
Completely false. You are either a liar or psychotic (I'm guessing the
latter, but could certainly be wrong).
johnetho...@yahoo.com
> In article <UtgDp.5130$cs1.1...@newsfe15.iad>,
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > On 5/25/11 3:40 PM, biblearcheol...@hotmail.com wrote:
> > >snip
>
> > >> What is kind of sad is that they are willing to bring their religious
> > >> beliefs down to the level of Disneyland fairy tales and places like
> > >> Universal movie theme park.
>
> > >> Ron Okimoto
>
> > > Noah's Ark has been proven archeologically so it cannot be a
> > > "Disneyland fairy tale."
>
> > When was it "proven archeologically"? Please cite the appropriate
> > primary scientific literature.
>
> > DJT
>
> See Genesis. ::Rolls eyes::
It always amazes me that some people are so eager to advertise that
they are idiots.
Robert Grumbine
> On Mon, 06 Jun 2011 04:10:32 -0700, Frank J wrote:
>
>> [...]
>> ID's refusal to use the Bible as an authority is tactially brilliant,
>> ...
>
> It was a good choice for them, but it was hardly brilliant. They only
> made that choice after trying every other choice and finding that they
> didn't work.
Indeed. It was an evolved strategy.
--
Robert Grumbine http://moregrumbinescience.blogspot.com/ Science blog
Sagredo (Galileo Galilei) "You present these recondite matters with too much
evidence and ease; this great facility makes them less appreciated than they
would be had they been presented in a more abstruse manner." Two New Sciences
johnetho...@yahoo.com
This is a blatant lie - there is absolutely no evidence the flood or
ark ever existed, and gigantic amounts that they did not. Isn't there
something in you religion about not lying?
Randy C
>
> - Show quoted text -
Creationists just "say stuff". That makes them feel good.
Evidence doesn't make them feel good.
So don't expect to see any evidentiary support for those claims.
Creationism is kind of like a drug in that way...