Pacific Views

Social programs vs. charity.

This editorial in the Toronto Star contains the most concise argument we've seen for why private charity cannot — and should not — replace government social programs.

Charity, through no fault of its own, establishes a divide between the haves and the have-nots in our society, between those who give to charity and those who must accept it.

Social programs, for all their faults, are different. They are paid for by everyone through our taxes — and we all pay taxes, whether sales tax or income tax — and made available to all in times of need. They have an inherent equality to them that charity, for all its wonder, cannot match.

There will always be a place for charity. Any social safety net will have holes that are best filled by community groups able to respond faster to local needs.

But no amount of charity can make up for society, as a whole, willing to pledge its resources to ensuring no one goes hungry at any time of the year.

Too bad Dubya can't read.

Via wood s lot