Giving to charities is generally a bad idea

[FarCenter]

Keep the pressure on the government to live up to its responsibilities to its citizens instead.

Charitable giving should be done only when there is a clear, local, politically wise benefit.

[Puzzledtraveller]

1. Then we are not responsible to eachother?

[bowens43]

2. That is much too broad of a statement. nt

[SidDithers]

3. No. Governments encourage giving to charities by giving charitable tax deductions...

and giving to charities allows you to donate to and support causes that are important to you.

Sid

[FarCenter]

5. If the government gave a tax credit, it would be different

I would love to be able to spend a dollar on a charity instead of sending the dollar to the IRS.

But they only give you a deduction from your income before you figure the tax, so your charitable dollar only is worth the number of cents in your marginal tax bracket. In essence its a regressive tax policy.

Meanwhile, it helps the government avoid doing what it should be doing. Its buying into the "thousand points of light" bullshit from George H W Bush.

On the other hand, if you feel strongly about the cause, and you know that your money will be well spent, go ahead, especially if it is local and you know what work is being done.

[SunsetDreams]

4. I disagree wholeheartedly

Giving to charities is NOT a bad idea. So many people depend on Charities to make their lives easier. Why should we only do it when there is a political benefit? That's what is wrong with this country today, too many have the attitude that they shouldn't do anything for others unless there is something in it for them.

Why Donations to Charity are Important

Charitable organizations exist to support and raise funds for a specific group of people. There are numerous charities that support a wide variety of causes such as children in various locations, sufferers of various diseases, homeless people and disadvantaged people at home and overseas. These organizations depend on the generosity of the general community to make donations to charity of money, goods and services, in order that they can carry out their work. Many charities are completely self-funded while others receive some government funding.

Throughout history, money has been donated to the needy, as well as food, clothing, tools, bedding etc. These donations were often organized through the Church and it was considered the duty of the wealthier classes and merchants to give to the poor. These days, this generous attitude to giving to the needy is not so well defined. People don’t know how to help or how to make sure their donation goes towards the cause and not just to charity operating expenses.

Why is it important that we donate to charity? Here are just 5 good reasons:

1. Help other people – there are millions of people in the world who are worse of than we are at any one time. Many of these folk have problems that are not their fault or are beyond their ability to prevent or change. Humans are a social animal and the best way for mankind to advance is by helping those who are unable to help themselves. We have a responsibility to care for other people, to help those less fortunate than ourselves. When we have some spare cash, time or goods, it is an opportunity to help out.

2.Make a difference – donating to charity is the perfect opportunity to make a difference in the world. By making a difference to someone’s life, you are leaving behind a legacy. You are making a statement that your life was worthwhile because you made a contribution to society.

More here: http://prairieecothrifter.com/2011/11/donations-charity-important.html

[muriel_volestrangler]

6. 'Politically wise'? That's rather cold, isn't it?

Don't you do good for personal satisfaction as well? If you don't, I feel rather sorry for you.

And, for that matter, charity is not just about citizens, or local causes. There are worldwide charities too.

I think you need to take off your blinkers.

[klook]

7. "Let's you and him fight."

Another flaming bag of dog poop on DU's doorstep.

[MineralMan]

8. I donate to selected charities,

to help cover the gap between what the government does and what is needed. Your proposal doesn't make sense, really.

[Cleita]

12. Actually, it makes a lot of sense.

A true democracy would have safety nets in place for all its citizens, making charities unnecessary. Unfortunately, our capitalistic model of greed, every man for himself philosophy, doesn't provide this, so charities sometimes have to step in. But they are inadequate to meet the real needs of people who have fallen through the cracks.

[sinkingfeeling]

9. Wow, couldn't disagree with you more. Charities should have no political benefit.

They exist to assist people.

[Cleita]

11. Government as in, we the people, should be assisting people.

Charities cannot do what needs to be done.

[Cleita]

10. I agree. Charities don't and can't reach everyone in need.

Whereas government can. Also, some charities cherry pick who will receive their beneficence. The Komen scandal is an example. Charities are dependent on the generosity of strangers. Government can tax. I don't think people in need should have to be dependent on charities for help.

The only use I find for charities is to fund non-essential for life entities like libraries, museums, scholarships for the arts and sciences, animal rights and so on. There is a place for charities but not in life and death matters.

[Boojatta]

14. Is it essential or non-essential ...

to prevent or discontinue high levels of physical pain experienced by people?

If it's essential, then humanitarian organizations shouldn't waste any money on what is clearly a government responsibility. Imagine spending money to organize a non-governmental rally against torture. You're just making it easier for governments to evade their responsibility to organize those rallies against torture. The right thing to do is to sit back and wait. Eventually governments will get around to ceasing to torture.

If it isn't essential, then charities can raise money to pay for anaesthetics used in hospital emergency rooms. That would be good for the morale of people who operate charities. They will feel that what they are doing is more important than making a museum available for people to visit. Not having a museum in your community is less traumatic than undergoing surgery while you are wide awake.

[Kellerfeller]

13. I truly hope you forgot a sarcasm tag

You would really rather have Congress (which is sometimes Republican) determine where your "extra" money goes?

A real democracy should have both charities and gov't funding.