Fair enough, Johnny and Moiraine, some national governments are more outright charitable. I think MagiK's point on private charity is well taken, and VERY important. I don't pay taxes so my government can give money away for nothing. If I want to be purely charitable, I'll re-up my membership to the Sierra Club or PETA, or save a starving kid in Africa through the Sally Struthers network, thanks very much. My government dictates plenty of my life without dictating my charity. In it's giving my money away -- it damn well better be getting something in return.
Sorry, that's my stance.
"Your egalitarianism is an affront to determinism" -- Viconia to Nalia.
[ 07-07-2003, 10:44 AM: Message edited by: Timber Loftis ]