Bush spends 2.2 Billion of Our Tax Money on Religious Programs that Lower Professional Standards

The Bush administration is now spending $2.2 billion (with a B) subsidizing churches and other religious institutions to run social programs. Source. That includes addiction treatment programs. On this, see my 2004 article, "Bush Taking the Ax to Recovery." "Faith-based" is a big business now, a handy label to get fat government contracts, similar to "homeland security." (If they really rely on faith, why do they need government handouts?) No professional training or licensing is required for staff in the faith-based treatment programs. Addiction counselor organizations such as NAADAC, who have been trying to pull up the level of professional standards in treatment programs, face a gut-punch from the religious competition, and it's all being done at public expense.