Interesting opinion piece on why Americans give more to charity than other countries (and why poor Americans give a higher percentage of their income than the rich). The author cites reports from the John Hopkins Center and the American Enterprise Institute to suggest that Americans may be responding to cultural pressure and public morality -- a "recognition that individual freedom comes with a responsibility." Seems like a reasonable argument, which I found insightful.

Using well-sourced information and a strong comparative analysis, Eaves considers why Americans give so much to charities compared to citizens in other developed countries. An open-minded, fair inquiry.

The article provides some small bits of information, but it does not convincingly support the many hypothesis put forward.

The auther does a fine job of providing facts and context for the mindsets behind why Americans give so much.

The piece tries to be analytical, but misses. It produces facts, but doesn't relate them to each other. For example - people give a lot to houses of worship - but how does this relate to the percentages given by various income groups? Also, there is no relationship given between charitable contributions and conditions among needy people. Is the implication that in the US charity provides for all needs as opposed to other places where government provides? Somehow I don't think so....