Do we need the government to tell Americans how to be charitable?

2016-03-01T13:07:08-05:00

You may be surprised to learn that by some reckonings, America is no longer the most charitable among nations. We once were but are now ranked about 9th according the Philanthropy.com. What a revolting predicament! I wonder if we would rank higher if they counted welfare? After all our entitlement budget exceeds the Gross Domestic Product of most nations.

Of course, in this political season, we have the Democrats reminding all just how mean spirited the rich and their party (the GOP) really are. They want to continue leading the way by transferring wealth. Just how well is that working?

http://imprimis.hillsdale.edu/charitable-giving-and-the-fabric-of-america/

Charitable Giving and the Fabric of America

Private philanthropy is crucial in making America the unusual country that it is. To begin to understand this crucial part of America, it is useful—and also inspiring—to consider some of America’s great philanthropists.

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Mar 1 at 2016 1:26 PM

2016-03-01T13:26:19-05:00

No, we certainly don't need the gov't dictating to us how to be charitable. If the government would concentrate on cutting regulations strangling small businesses and enact pro-growth economic principles (ie, stay out of the way), average Americans would have more to give, and would give more. I would love to see the correlation between Labor Participation Rate and charitable private philanthropy.

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Mar 1 at 2016 1:28 PM

2016-03-01T13:28:39-05:00

CPT Jack Durish Could you please send the URL for the ranking study at Philanthropy.com? Was looking, but it doesn't jump out at me.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Mar 1 at 2016 1:41 PM

2016-03-01T13:41:03-05:00

No, but the government does not like us spending 'their' money. The government feels better taxing us to the point where we cannot afford to help people and that way they can create more people in need.

Response by SPC Andrew Griffin made Mar 1 at 2016 1:42 PM

2016-03-01T13:42:32-05:00

No! We as citizens have a be a shining example and beacon of light for others!

Response by CSM David Heidke made Mar 1 at 2016 3:27 PM

2016-03-01T15:27:00-05:00

The government doesn't want us to be charitable. They want to be the universal charity.

If I have the disposable income to be charitable, then I can *gasp* choose who I want to give my money to... The government doesn't want this. I should not be able to choose not to give free sex change operations to incarcerated murderers, or fourth generation welfare families, so the government has to take it from me so it can give to those people. Because I won't.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 1 at 2016 4:06 PM

2016-03-01T16:06:53-05:00

Mandate no. Incentivize maybe.

If you want the People to do something, don't "mandate" it, just escalate their self-interest to the point where they want to do it instead. Currently we do that with Private Charity donations through tax advantages. But when you just "take" the money, and use it "inefficiently" (if at all), there's just less money to go around.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Mar 1 at 2016 7:14 PM

2016-03-01T19:14:49-05:00

CPT Jack Durish - As I read your question, my mind jolted to the DoD's annual CFC Campaign. The 1stSgt would pass out auto-withdrawal forms with a list of organizations pandering for a percentage of my paycheck. God, I hope they've discontinued that! My charitable contributions are dispersed at both my convenience and discretion.

Response by 1LT Christopher Sorge made Mar 1 at 2016 7:20 PM

2016-03-01T19:20:01-05:00

With what money?? Children, Medical costs, cost of living, bills, and yes the ever increasing taxes (local/state/federal) drain us of our reserves. There is no middle class in this nation anymore...it is the elite and the peasants now.