Another Tale of Two Cities--Charity--Where Does the Money Come From?

Another Tale of Two Cities Charity--Where Does the Money Come From?

There had been a lot of financial problems in their small community, so it was time for a new city government, the people decided.  Though everyone was contributing money to the running of the town, still there never seemed to be enough money to go around and it was suspected that the town council and manager were either poor managers or might even be taking some for their personal use.  The financial reports the council gave the town were confusing, incomplete, and not much help in getting to the bottom of the problem

So the townspeople elected a committee to choose a new city manager.  Out of many applicants, one was chosen who had promised that, with the money already being collected from the people, he and his team  would make all manner of improvements--new roads, a new library, and a better welfare system that would go far to eliminate poverty in the community.  He and his team would be willing to work for a modest salary, but made it plain that, once the city's financial position improved, they would want a significant increase in compensation.

After a few months, things actually did begin to improve.  Finally, here was a man who kept his word, cared for the community and had a warm heart for the disadvantaged, even providing cash subsidies to help them  As more time went by, it became strikingly apparent to all that the city was becoming an outstanding success.  And, when the city manager reminded the townspeople that he now wanted the substantial pay increase for himself and his team called for in his contract, they readily agreed to give it to them. Soon after, he and his team began to build beautiful homes for themselves, purchase luxury automobiles, and take their families on fine vacations.

As to the financial statements, no one really paid much attention to them  even though they were as incomprehensible as ever.  All assumed that the new city prosperity was the result of better management and less waste.

There was trouble in the next town, though.  Crime was rampant there with bank robberies almost every week.  Furthermore, a thorough investigation of city finances indicated that very large sums of money were unaccounted for and embezzlement was suspected.

A sharp reporter, noting the deterioration of affairs in his city and the neighboring community's increasing prosperity, became suspicious and decided to investigate. Slowly, slowly it came to light.  The new city manager and his team were not who they appeared to be.   The reporter uncovered that they were really scoundrels who, through a series of slick maneuvers and nefarious connections were bilking one town out of its money and making it appear that they were successfully managing the other, ingratiating and enriching themselves in the process.

OK, OK!  I know, I may be begging an analogy here.  You're asking, what are you driving at, Al?  Well, let me explain.  A while back I did a radio commentary on watching where the money ends up. That will tell you lots about what's happening.  But it's equally important to know where the money is coming from.  When someone proposes to eliminate poverty, provide health benefits for all, free education, and so on, the logical question, is, where will that money come from and how will it be obtained?  Is it being given to one individual at the expense of and without the consent of another?  Or is it going to come from willing private contributors, charities, and foundations?

It's not just a question of "Where's the beef?"  It's a question of "Where and how will we get the beef?'  Charity is an act of free will--a generous willing donor giving because he wants to, not because he's forced to do it.  However well intentioned, government cannot provide charity because it is taking from folks who may not want to make a donation, to give to someone else.   It's a moral contradiction, harming and trying to help at the same time.

The process expresses a low view of humanity and denigrates the human spirit. Experience shows folks are willing to give in time of need--they don't need to be forced to do it.  And the society that allows folks to be super productive is the society that will create the abundance out of which generous hearts will give to others. Witness those wealthy men and women in our history who set up and continue to set up foundations and give away their extensive wealth, and all those families, rich and poor who help their neighbor in time of need.

Charity must always come from individuals and the private sector not from government.