[samclem]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisC Ideology aside, there are some things that the Government can do significantly better, like fighting hunger in America or throughout the world, than charities.

"Ideology aside" I'd make three points:
1) Making charitable work a government responsibilty deprives us all of a very important opportunity: The ability to voluntarily help others by giving money to charitable agencies. I think everyone likes to feel good about themselves by giving in this way. I get no feeling of having helped others when my money is forcibly taken by the government.

2) I do not believe that government efficiency in doling out assistance is anywhere close to the efficiency of private charities.

3) Hunger has been eliminated in America, at least as far as it is possible to do so with money. That doesn't mean that there aren't many hungry children with absent fathers and drug-dependent mothers, but this isn't an issue of money/food/resources. I do not believe any person with the mental capacity and will to look after himself/herself/their dependents need ever be hungry given the present safety net(s). What is today considered "poverty" in America bears no resemblance to poverty in most of the world. That's a good thing.