January 24, 2008

Americans Generous? Not Really

By Pablo Eisenberg

For many years we've been told that Americans are the most-generous people in the world. President Ronald Reagan said so as he called for more philanthropic giving to offset his federal budget cuts in social programs. Charity officials, political leaders, and journalists continue to repeat this assertion as an article of faith.

America's legacy of giving to charity is indeed impressive. In 2006, individuals, foundations, and corporations gave $295-billion to charitable and religious

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