Michael Medved

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Only generous with tax money

http://www.NewsAndOpinion.com | A Massachusetts group called The Catalogue for Philanthropy just released its 2005 "Generosity Index" — comparing each state's ability to give (in terms of average adjusted gross income) with the percentage of taxpayers who actually report charitable donations.

The results reveal a stunning political pattern: all 25 of the most generous states are red states that gave their electoral support to President Bush.

But of the bottom 12 — the stingiest states of them all in terms of charity  —  11 of 12 are blue states that backed John Kerry  —  with Massachusetts itself second to the bottom.

The reason GOP states are so much more generous is both obvious and profound: conservatives view compassion as a personal responsibility, but liberals tend to see it as the government's job.

One approach leads to individual commitment, while the other encourages the belief you can best help others by leaving it up to tax collectors and bureaucrats.

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MEDVED'S LATEST Right Turns: Unconventional Lessons from a Controversial Life   Michael Medved has taken an extraordinary journey from liberal activist to outspoken conservative. Along the way he has earned millions of admirers — and more than his share of enemies — by advancing controversial, often counterintuitive arguments. Sales help fund JWR.

JWR contributor, author and film critic Michael Medved hosts a daily three-hour radio talk show broadcast in more than 120 cities throughout the United States. Comment by clicking here.

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