2009 – Recession – Unemployment 10% – Charitable giving 300 Billion dollars. Some claim America is the most generous nation in the world. It probably is true.
Reasons – Capitalism, Conservatism, Freedom.
Capitalism has created more prosperity for more people than any other system, thus enabling greater giving at all levels of society. Capitalism is a system that fosters the desire in many of those who have created great wealth to want to give something back to the system. Socialism does not.
Conservatism is a philosophy of small government and self reliance. Where there is a need, the conservative mindset is how can I help, rather than waiting for the government to help. And we are a nation of conservatives. A 2009 Gallop poll found conservatism to be the most widely held political ideology by a 50% margin of self declared conservatives over self declared liberals
Freedom, freedom to help when, where and what you choose without government interference encourages the wealthy to establish charitable foundations to further a favorite cause. Andrew Carnegie wanted to see a library in every town in America and he made it happen. Bill Gates wants to see malaria eradicated from the face of the earth and is giving millions toward that pet goal.
Capitalist America has given extensive aid to Haiti in their need. Socialist Venezuela has given nothing. The free market system is the greatest generator of the means and inclination for private giving.
Bob B
RANDOM THOTS 