Demanding Philanthropy

A recent episode of the ABC program 20/20 spurred this post. This show talked about philanthropy in America. Host John Stossel talked to several rich people and asked them why they weren't giving more, are they giving enough, what are they possibly going to do with all their money etc.

I was left incredulous with the program and the entire line of questioning. This subject has come up for discussion in other forms of media before and I am surprised by it. Who are we to demand that people give away their money?! Where do we get off telling someone that they haven't given enough? This is just an extension of the "entitlement wonks". I am not rich, you are, so give me your money.

Wow! What will they think of next? Legalizing robbery? "Your honor he has more money than he could dream of spending so I was just helping him get rid of it" is going to be a valid defense?

It is commendable whenever someone does anything selflessly. Whether it is volunteering your time at the local soup-kitchen or providing shelter to the needy or giving monetary aid. It is your desire to do so. That's it nothing more, nothing less. It musn't be because of what the world around you is doing, because of what people are saying or the weight of expectations.