Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms Is this a problem?

Originally Posted By chopper22

Many wealthy people already do give money to charity, but there's clearly room for improvement in that sort of thing!

I'll probably be castigated for this one (or castrated)

With a UK Population of around 60 Million, how about taking some of the 100's of Millions Donated to Charity in the UK each year ( and held in their investments to fund their Massive Expenses) and giving every individual (even the wealthy ones) just one of those £millions each.

It might not solve the problem but it could make some families very happy for a short while.

We seem to have become obsessed with low taxation rates over the last 30 years or so. Nowadays even proposals like a 50% top rate are seen as dangerous socialism by many.

But if we look back to the 'golden age' of the 1950s and 60's, Federal tax rates in the US never dipped below a top rate of 70%, and Margaret Thatcher reduced the top rate to 60% in the UK, and I don't think either of those economies could be considered as left wing.

One problem is the unholy trinity of "I, Me, My" - we regard charities as being self- seeking and prone to corruption but in the vast majority of cases the money goes to helping the ones who need it most. My nephew works as a regional administrator in some of the world`s most dangerous places - recently South Sudan, Lebanon, Somalia and currently Kurdistan and ensures that money goes to projects which need it. He currently works for MAG who remove landmines - what a pity this has to be a charity and not funded by those who make millions selling these products!
Again when I collected envelopes door to door for Christian Aid it was usually the homes with 3 cars on the drive who did not respond whereas the poorer terraced houses would not only give but would so so with a smile and a welcome.
Sadly so few people these days get to understand the pleasure which comes from giving and live by the mantra that "Charity begins at home" how sad that in so many cases that is where it ends!
Sermon over.

Well said Phil.
Charities exist because there is an unfulfilled need.
But charity comes from within and is surely just one way of showing that we care.

Peter, yes this is a problem and likely a ticking time bomb. I was struck by this sentence “Just 42 people own the same amount of wealth as the poorest 50 percent worldwide”.

It is wonderful that billionaires give to causes they deem to be good. However, I often wonder if the money could be devided up in a manner that is better for mankind. I mean, it is a heavy burdon on one individual to make these impactful decisions.

Personally, I prefer to contribute to a cause, and know that some of it leaks away, than using the leaks or better waste, ss an excese, not to give at all.

Also, It is probably good, that I am not a billionaire, as I would spend it on Morgans... or even buy MMC.

Cheers,

Bert