[DFHippie]

It is my understanding that this claim about Americans' charitable giving does not disaggregate giving to food banks, Girl Scout cookie drives, political causes, the environment, cultural events, religious institutions, etc. Much of this charitable giving does not feed the hungry or house the homeless.

[monkpit]

Plus the fact that there’s bias in the first place - citizens in a country where they know social programs will care for their needy would not need to donate.

[DFHippie]

Right. You can vote for a government that will tax you and then fix misfortunes and injustices. It's probably a lot more effective and efficient than writing a check to a megachurch.

[fragmede]

The important question is who gets to fly private under the respective systems.

[nradov]

Purchasing Girl Scout cookies isn't counted as a charitable donation.