Uncharitable Attack on Charity

The Atlas Society - The Center for Objectivism ^ | 6/12/2009 | Edward Hudgins

[Ed Hudgins]

[Attack on freedom with an ACORN tie-in.]

June 12, 2009 – Americans historically are a generous people. Thus it’s shocking to see the National Committee for Responsible Philanthropy undermining the valid foundations of charity in the name of charity.

A major report from that organization asserts that “Philanthropy at its Best must serve the public good by contributing to strong, participatory democracy that engages all communities.” It then asserts that any charitable organization that properly promotes this value must do two things:

First, “Provide at least 50 percent of its grant dollars to benefit low-income communities, communities of color and other marginal groups…” And second, “Provide at least 25 percent of its dollars for advocacy, organizing and civic engagement to promote equality, opportunity and justice in our society.”

“So what?” you might ask. “If that’s how this or other groups want to spend their money, that’s their own business.” But NCPR’s purpose is not to make grants. Rather, it declares its purpose to be “the country’s independent watchdog of foundations” and to promote what it considers to be “good practices.”

So where does it come up with this “50 percent” standard? Is it valid? Should other groups take it seriously?

Charity Begins With Self

Many people think that our worth or value as individuals should be measured by how much we give away to others. But before we can give it away, we’ve got to make it. This raises the question, what is the basis of all values?

The ultimate value is human life. If you’re dead, what you like or don’t like makes no difference. And the only way we can stay alive is by using our minds to understand the world around us so that we can act to create the means of our physical survival …

[frogjerk]

At the announcement of the NCRP’s new rules, California Democrat Representative Xavier Becerra said, “Taxpayers have rewarded [foundations] for being there for America.” But, he added: “At the same time, those of us at Congress have an obligation as the representatives of the people to make sure that their money—taxpayer money—is being well invested.”

HA HA! Very funny!

[Ed Hudgins]

Funny indeed. Except for the fact that the new totalitarians put out this garbage and too many brain-numbed Americans don’t pick up on its meaning, the fact that the totalitarians are saying to the faces of Americans, “Your money is ours, not yours. We’ll decide how you spend it,” and Americans aren’t reacting with “Screw you, you thieving scum.”

[Tuketu]

“We’ll decide how you spend it,” NOTHING MORE TO SAY