Chris Edwards’ post on FEMA brought to mind a 2002 New York Times article, which I recently found on FreeRepublic.com. The article concerned fiscal shenanigans at the United Way, and FreeRepublic.com allowed readers to post comments. The following were representative:

“Why anyone would give money to (through) the United Way so they can skim their take is beyond me. Pick your favorite charity or cause, and give to them.”

“If anyone at work asks you to give through United Way, point them to the Salvation Army. The difference is like night and day.”

Pity we never see comments like:

Why anyone would give money to FEMA is beyond me. Pick your favorite charity or cause, and give to them.

If anyone at work asks you to contribute to Medicaid or Food Stamps, point them to the Salvation Army. The difference is like night and day.

As I told a (hostile) room of graduate social work students this morning, when charity is coerced, charities don’t have to try nearly as hard.