The overwhelming amount of people living in poverty in America continues to be a big issue with a lot of debates surrounding it.
The question that is often asked is whose “job” it is to give aid to this group of people? Two main categories are usually present.
There is public charity, which basically is public funds that, through taxation, go toward programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program [food stamps], Medicaid and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families [formerly known as welfare].
Then there is private charity, which involves things like churches, foundations and other non-profit organizations.
The private sector receives funding from — you guessed it — private donors and sponsors.
Back to the question of whose job it is to aid those living in poverty.
In my opinion, private charity is much more efficient and superior.
Private charities rely on money given by choice, rather than by force.
Instead of being unable to control where one’s money is going, the private sector allows freedom to donate to whichever causes and organizations that are in line with a citizens personal beliefs and convictions.
Though some government programs seem to have a census on its effectiveness and motives, allowing citizens to choose where their money goes will yield fairness and a proper representation of views.
Being able to give one’s money to charities personally chosen will also create a sense of accountability for the organization itself.
In general, people are careful and do a lot a research before making a donation.
It is important to make sure the money being given is going to the right place for the right cause.
It is a lot harder to monitor this in a public charity setting.
In most cases, where there is government, there is corruption of some sort present as well.
Not to say that private charities are immune to corruption; however, corruption has fewer opportunities to flourish in a smaller environment where “investors” are often checking up on them.
The current public charities are set up in such a way that it is easy to become dependent on the government assistance given.
While it is not true in every case, oftentimes relying on the government discourages personal responsibility.
Over time, if government or even private programs are abused, a sense of entitlement forms that is often passed on to future generations.
Not having to work for something will eventually result in laziness that will be immobilizing.
It is also important to remember that charity and goodwill should never be required because, in a sense, that takes away from their purpose.
It should be done with a kind, willing heart.
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