April’s Harper’s Index reports that only 42% of American women believe they have a personal responsibility to help the poor. The report is even more disappointing for American men. Only 27% believe they have a personal responsibility to help the poor. The source for these statistics is Environics Research.
I am not sure what to make of this. In any given year approximately three quarters of American families give money to charities though it is not clear what percentage of these families give money to the poor. We do know that 75 million American give no money to charities of any kind.
In any event, most politicians obviously think the public does not care much about the poor. The poor are denigrated by Republicans and largely ignored by Democrats. I have no confidence that political leaders will cultivate concern about the poor. And such leadership certainly will not come from those who preach the prosperity gospel.
If the public does not care about the poor, you have to wonder what religious leaders have been doing or why they have been ineffective. I am an ex-Catholic, but I am praying for the success of Pope Francis.
I enjoy this program you not a result of whom you are, although by reason of who seem to So i am lake feel you've made. nike air max 2011 http://nikeairmax99.com/ nike air max 2011
Posted by: nike air max 2011 | 05/05/2013 at 08:14 PM
This is exactly why you are going to need to have methods that will help make your high heel shoes meet your needs, not against you. [url=http://www.picklegendarymonogram.com/]louis vuitton outlet online[/url] louis vuitton outlet online
Posted by: louis vuitton outlet online | 05/05/2013 at 05:48 PM
No, I've been persuaded by G.A. Cohen, but only of the moral obligation to practice private charity. All the best to you.
Posted by: Fernando Teson | 05/02/2013 at 01:06 PM
Fernando, good to see you here. Does the market leave you thinking you have no personal responsibility to help the poor.
Posted by: Steve Shiffrin | 04/30/2013 at 03:42 AM
Of course, Steve! Francis is Argentine, a porteno (from Buenos Aires), descendant of Italian immigrants, and likes tango. Like your humble servant here. As for who cares about the poor? Easy: libertarians, since free markets hold the true promise of lifting folks from poverty.
Posted by: Fernando Teson | 04/29/2013 at 09:00 AM