The charity instead of welfare thing is such a crock of shit. Not only is a lot of charitable giving inspired by the tax break rather than altruism (or at least it has a significant impact. I've heard owner of my company say she'd rather give the money away than let the government get their greedy mitts on it) but it's just another way for them to enforce their world view by making sure they give money to the causes that help the people they feel are "worthy" of help. Because welfare only assists lazy drug attics popping out kids, in their mind.

ETA: I should amend that the owners do tend to be very passionate about some of their charity projects and would likely engage in them anyway, but the degree does seem to be influenced by Uncle Sam.

And, often, the charitable giving lets them put their names on things, such as a department of a hospital, a collection in a museum, etc.

I would just note that I do think those things also have value....

It's sad that many a wonderful institution is only there for the tax break.

Wouldn't say "only"

I guess I am in denial about people admiring Putin. At least I can be pretty sure my conservative relatives (who are actually monarchists, the oldest ones, don't get much more conservative than that) won't go that particular route. The degree to which they deified Reagan was bad enough.

I would just note that I do think those things also have value....

Likewise. Also, I wouldn't make assumptions about why someone might give.

Benign!

Woot!

Yay!

Yay!!!