The problem with philanthropy

“There’s no question in my mind that anyone’s personal wealth is the product of a collective effort and social structures which present opportunities to some people, and obstacles to countless others.”

MacKenzie Scott, philanthropist

The problem with philanthropy is three-fold. First, and most importantly, we shouldn’t need it. And we wouldn’t need it if everyone paid their fair share in taxes. Americans shouldn’t have to beg others for a roof over their heads, food to feed their families, clothes to keep them warm or a visit to the doctor to keep them healthy. But here we are.

Second, who are these people to decide who deserves help? These are individuals who have no clue what it is like to support yourself and your family in this country. As philanthropists the ultra-rich get to decide who is worthy of their largesse. They may choose to support education by giving millions to their alma mater. In the meantime, schools around the country are crumbling and struggling to pay teachers a living wage. They may choose to support healthcare by picking a disease to fund. Meanwhile, millions cannot afford to see a doctor, let alone a dentist, and the chronically ill can’t afford the medications they need to stay alive.

Third, the recipients are expected to be grateful. Grateful for what? That a tiny portion of what was taken from them is being returned. The money that the wealthy hoard comes from those of us who have to pay a substantial part of our income in taxes. We are the ones who made and purchased the goods and services that made these people rich.

We are taxed on our income, but the ultra-rich have little or no “income.” Jeff Bezos, the richest man in the world, had so little “income” he was able to claim and receive a child tax credit.

The trouble with philanthropy is that it is a fig leaf covering the fact that the wealthier you are, the less you pay in taxes. If the wealthy paid taxes on their wealth as opposed to their “income,” we could pay for universal healthcare, free childcare, clean energy.

People don’t want charity, they want fairness. They want to share in the success of the businesses that they helped to build. They want the money they earn and spend to keep circulating. Taxes pay for jobs as well as social programs.

I object to having to rely on philanthropy for things we, the people should be funding. I object to the obscenely wealthy doling out pittances while lobbying legislators to protect their wealth. I object to anyone who can afford to take a joy ride into space but shelters all their wealth from taxation.

Charity is not — and should not be — an alternative to taxes. And taxes should reflect the reality of a person’s ability to pay. The billions of dollars given away by the ultra-rich as charity each year would be better spent supporting their fellow Americans.

Lisa Wright divides her time between her home in Lakeville and Oblong Books in Millerton where she has worked for nearly 40 years. Email her at wrightales@gmail.com.