Efficient Charities

Leaving money to the government is the same as leaving money to an addict of spending money like no tomorrow.

Leaving money to Gates Foundation does not fare well all the time. They should teach the poor how to fish, not giving them fish for their entire life. They should use a model specific to Africa (like the one from China) instead of the American model. However, they do some good deeds in many other areas. Really helping the poor is not a science but an art. Throwing money will not solve any long-term problem.

As Buffett's son said, once Americans leave with the big machines/equipments, Africans will return to the bad old days. You do not need to automate with abundant labor available. From his talk, I think he has better insight and vision to handle his father's foundation than giving it to Gates. He would contribute more to our world in heading the charity instead of running his father's fund company that he has no interest and desire to.

Buffett and Gates donate their life-time savings to charities. It is the most noble deed to mankind. I argue against the comments that they profit themselves. Of course, both should donate their appreciated stocks so they maximize their donations. They should appoint their heirs to supervise their foundations and get salaries for the work. The only objection is Buffett should not advocate the way he wants to change the tax laws. Without deduction to charities, the poor will get less aids.

The African farming industry is being destroyed as they cannot compete with freebees. Ensure your donation is not skimmed by the corrupt officials like in Haiti and some African countries.

Donate money to the charities with low overheads and spending the money correctly. If you donate limited funds, try to limit yourself to one charity. They will send you letters... and these are the cause of their high overheads. I also would ask how much their presidents are making.

US and its citizens are the kindest folks on earth as long as donations to the foreign poor is concerned. I hope our new tax laws will maintain the same deduction. As Gandhi said, the world has enough resources for all but we're not unselfish enough to share.