An interesting point is made here:
https://www.dailysabah.com/history/2019/04/18/notre-dames-architecture-i...
Notre Dame is burning...
Sat, 2019-04-20 02:30
#52
Sat, 2019-04-20 06:25
#53
Very interesting article. The contrary would have been surprising, as what is now much of the Middle East/North Africa (not to forget Spain and Sicily) or the Muslim world (with significant religious minorities, that had a better status than their counterparts in Christian Europe) was far more advanced in technological, scientific and many cultural fields than their European counterparts. But it is good to have concrete examples. While I think restoring Notre Dame is important, I'm furious of those who took part in war and destruction of far older buildings in Iraq and Syria now putting their euros, dollars and pounds on the table.
Sat, 2019-04-20 06:39
#54
By the way, the mainstream Muslim association in France is supporting the reconstruction of Notre-Dame and fundraising for it. France built a beautiful mosque of Moorish design on the Rive Gauche not very far away in honour of the Muslim troops who served in the first World War. I've visited that too, as well as a historic synagogue.
Many former churches became mosques in Spain, later returned to church status after the Reconquista. However, Muslims still pray at the former mosque in Granada, and at similar locations in Sicily.
While cathedrals were symbols of temporal and religious power, they were also meeting places for ordinary people, and contributed to feelings of community as well as economic and cultural exchange. And pilgrimages expanded the gene pool!
Sat, 2019-04-20 16:09
#55
'Millions for Notre Dame - What About the Poor!?'
https://twitter.com/AJEnglish/status/1119688434954711045
"Notre Dame pledges inflame Yellow Vest protesters..."
Sat, 2019-04-20 16:46
#56
The wealthy have deep pockets for pretty things and publicity.
https://people.com/travel/notre-dame-cathedral-fire-donations-raised/
I wonder how much the contributors can write off for taxes with their donations?
Sat, 2019-04-20 17:02
#57
60% - 90%, if it's in France.
Sat, 2019-04-20 19:21
#58
I do not object to this kind of donation and I think 1000 year old architectural history is certainly valid.
My objection is the fact that the wealthy have this much of the resources in the first place. I don't confuse the two because I do not consider that the wealthy are good at altruism and I do not expect that from them. Just as I do not look to corporations to do much more than make profit. I do not want people anywhere to rely on charity.
I expect government to tax and regulate.
To me the wealth was not less obnoxious before it was put to this a few weeks ago than it is today. I have less of a problem with something like this being an object of charity than something that ought to be managed by the government. It is the reliance on charity to support people rather than taxing and collectively managing what is needed that I have trouble with.
Sat, 2019-04-20 19:38
#59
60% - 90%, if it's in France.
Wow that’s a lot! Where did you get those numbers from if you don’t mind me asking?
Sat, 2019-04-20 19:45
#60
From here.
I can't vouch for the source or anything. I recalled hearing of some donors trying to get a 90% writeoff, so I Googled "notre dame charity writeoff" to see if there was any truth to it, and that's what I got.
Sat, 2019-04-20 20:05
#61
Thanks for that Mr Magoo!
So one family claims they will not be seeking a tax break. And it does sound like you can get a 90% write off
Correct me if I’m wrong, here’s an example
company A made 500 million in 2019. Then make 100 million contribution for rebuilding national treasure Notre Dam. When filling out taxes for 2019, the contributions reduce company A’s income earned in 2019 to 410 million. If tax rate for that bracket is 30%, then company A pays 27 million less in tax.
Sat, 2019-04-20 23:42
#62
From here.
I can't vouch for the source or anything. I recalled hearing of some donors trying to get a 90% writeoff, so I Googled "notre dame charity writeoff" to see if there was any truth to it, and that's what I got.
Not the donors but a proposal that they could be allowed to -- not something currently allowed for.
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/director-of-pinault-collection-prop...
Sun, 2019-04-21 14:21
#63
No To Calls For 'National Unity' After the Burning of Notre Dame in Paris
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/04/20/notr-a20.html
"The calls in the French media and ruling elite for national unity after a horrific fire devastated Notre Dame cathedral on Monday in Paris deserve nothing but contempt. Their goals are obvious. They aim to strangle all critical reflection on the causes and lessons of this shocking event, which has exposed the utter irresponsibility of the state machine; and to stabilize President Emmanuel Macron's government, which is rocked by the upsurge of class struggle, with 'yellow vest' protests and mass protests against the Algerian military regime.
The cause of the devastation of Notre Dame cathedral is the lack of serious fire security in renovation work, rooted in austerity and the relentless self-enrichment of the financial aristocracy. The French state refused to foot the 100 million EUR bill for the renovations, leaving church officials to beg for money internationally. The plan that was ultimately adopted ignored basic fire security measures, including the need to hire sufficient fire security staff. After a fire alarm, under this plan, it would take up to 20 minutes to reach and inspect the area.
The gaping hole in this plan adopted amid Macron's austerity policy that funnels hundreds of billions of euros to the army, tax cuts for the rich and bank bailouts had disastrous consequences. Despite two fire alarms on Monday, Notre Dame staff could not locate the fire until much of the roof was ablaze and the spire was collapsing..."