Generosity

Americans, "The Ugly Americans," are the most generous people in the world--and in the word's history! I recently read some statistics, very gratifying ones.

Annually, Americans donate about twice as much money to charitable causes as they spend on things like cell phones, Ipods, and the other high-tech electronic gear. Lower income groups actually donate more, as a percentage of income, than higher ones. I know the math, but even with that considered, it's impressive.

Now, these are private donations, not government spending. Nobody is coerced into giving, like they are legally forced to do with taxes. A disturbing possibility is government actions coming in through several new proposals. One includes reducing or eliminating tax-exempt status for all but the largest foundations. Another might eliminate tax deductions for giving. Yet another includes the government oversight, that is, government determining if a particular charity is "worthy" of current exemptions, deductions. As if government is qualified to determine any of this.

Again, it is gratifying and impressive that my fellow Americans are so open with their wallets and pocketbooks. Good for us!!!!