Charity Begins

I'm becoming evermore of the opinion that it's time for the culture of systemic charity to (at least temporarily) stop. That may read as a contradictory position for a follower of wholesome, communal Buddhist principles, but I would urge you to think a bit deeper than any first appearance.

I can't speak for the practices outside the UK, but I can tell you that after finding myself in possession of what can only be best described as a surge in begging post of late that I turned my attention to this matter, and concluded that it really isn't in the best interests of those seeking remuneration from the willing public to provoke their emotions in this matter. There are likely many people who do help out, donating a bit here or there to the numerous worthy causes out there, all striving to stave off the pressures placed upon those in society who are doing their best to make it all work. Yet I can't help but feel that in doing so it's (in part) akin to taking pity on the poor guy who can't get out of bed without a pint or a shot, and helping them to acquire their much needed fix in order to help mitigate their suffering. As kind and well meaning as the gesture and intent may be, the result is obviously less beneficial for the real right reasons. For one it would be better for the environment if there wasn't such a quantity of paper used so recklessly, but more importantly I would encourage these organisations to reassess where they are applying their pressure. Most people have already paid taxes. One of the main reasons for the existence of taxes at all is to fund community services to those in need who are either less fortunate, or simply as a common part of the overall operation of the system itself. If those taxes are being redirected/mitigated/abused (and we can say quite definitively that they are, by a mix or all of those criteria) then it would be far more helpful, productive and less wasteful for those same charities to pool their efforts and join the public in chasing those responsible for the excesses of which they are guilty. We should not allow ourselves to lose or forget our capacity for charity, and indeed such matters should be at the heart of all we teach and how we act. It's simple logic that without holding all to account to the ethic which is inherent to such motivations, we simply cause more suffering, and usually to those who are least able to afford it.