“Paradoxical as it may seem, men and women who are free to pursue individualism and material wealth turn out to be the most compassionate of all.”

We don't need government being in the charity business.

Must be the guilt caused by all that exploitation

The U.S. may be the most Christian nation on earth (the occupying statist theocracy infesting that nation does not represent 'We The People'). The U.S. may be the wealthiest nation on earth. The people of the U.S. are the most giving, charitable and philanthropic people on earth. Correlation - hmmmm The key foundation of the above statement is, "free". Those that do not have true liberty in their heart or freedom as a mind-set will not get the compassion or reality of the observation. Those within the scope of the above sentiment that are not free (progressives / neo-cons, communists / fascists, current liberals / conservatives, totalitarians / despots, democrats / republicans, etc.) do not seek the liberty of individualism but rather, material wealth for the power of control.

It's true. Individualists are not exploiters -- collectivists are. Before fiat currency and non-profit tax-exempt corporations, charitable organizations thrived -- they were everywhere! Government has NEVER been a caretaker -- they can't unless we all join the military and live on rations. Since the seats of power are sought by designing and envious people, the government has been turned into a mafia with bag men selling 'protection.' This is not compassion!!