Battleangel

And that is supposed to be a good thing? Is philanthropy a winner? Not likely. Some even use the numbers to “prove” how generous Americans are and that this is a function of low taxes alone. No matter that most of the aid is going to domestic causes (that the rest of us pay with taxes in what can be seen as a zero sum equation) or in fact to support Zionist occupation of Palestine or various religious sects. Not to mention that the rest of the world is effectively financing the US empire through oil trade standards. Or involuntary arms deals and “civilian” trade. Now that is some charity.

FT - Legislation passed to encourage giving in the wake of Hurricane Katrina looks likely to make 2005 the best year for charities in US history. But the measure will reduce taxes the US government collects by billions of dollars.

“All signs indicate that there should be a healthy increase” over last year’s $248.5bn (£144.1bn) in total charitable donations.

The down side for the US government, according to Robert Sharpe, president of the Sharpe Group, a consultancy, was a loss in tax revenue that could be as high as $10bn in a year when the budget deficit was already projected to be more than $300bn.

See also:
The US and Foreign Aid Assistance
Commitment to Development Index
Official Development Assistance