Compassionate Capitalism

Americans are recognized as the greatest givers in the world. Wherever there is a disaster, whether within our borders or anywhere else on the planet, whether an ally or enemy, American citizens step up to help. We help with finances. We help with supplies. We help by sending others. And we help by putting on our boots and gloves and digging in personally. Americans are generous with their time and their resources.

So what is it that makes Americans so generous? Is it because we all have so much wealth we have to give it away for a tax break? Is it so that we will feel good about ourselves? Is it so we can impress our neighbors? Without a doubt we all give for different reasons. And we all contribute to different causes. Some contribute to causes right in their own community while others feel compelled to contribute to causes around the world. But we give. Even those with little to give, share what they can. If they cannot share finances, they share time. Somehow, it is in our national DNA.

I do not claim to know the answer. I have no idea why so many Americans are so generous. What I do know is that we live in a country where we are blessed beyond measure. Perhaps we want to spread that wealth around. And it is our choice to do so. Each of us has the opportunity to choose how we share and what we share. Perhaps the answer lies somewhere in that freedom. When we are allowed to keep what we earn we have the option to share. When we are blessed with abundance we can bless others as well. And in blessing others, we are also blessed. I do know that societies that are not as free as we are do not have the capacity to give as generously we do. And I am also sure that if they had the same freedoms we have, and the same prosperity we enjoy, they would be generous too.

I think the key is the understanding that it is not about us. It is about being a part of this planet we call earth. It is about being a part of the global community. It is about recognizing that we can make a difference. We can make this world a better place. We appreciate that each one of us can contribute to something bigger than ourselves. In this self-seeking world we somehow understand that the sum of all of our parts is greater than the whole. And each and every American that gives of themselves is made better for having done so.

For me, the best part of giving is getting down in the trenches and getting eye to eye with those in need. The true joy comes in seeing the positive impact you can make on another life. It is the personal touch of being able to make a difference. I believe Americans should be able to decide where they give, how much they give, and how they give. It has worked for over two hundred years. It is not a government program. It is individuals, non-profit organizations, churches and neighbors recognizing where there is a true need and responding to it.

We have a free market society. This was the intent of our founding fathers. This free market society has produced the kind of personal wealth that provides the personal freedom to give to others. This is the future that the framers of our Constitution envisioned.

Count a blessing.