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Poll results

Sponsored by: OTELCO

Public attention in Maine has recently focused on several high-profile charitable gifts, including a $25 million donation to Maine Medical Center, a total of $4 million contributed to two Maine nonprofits, and the charitable gift of a North Haven farm, valued at nearly $5 million.

These gifts — and many similar ones — have originated from affluent donors whose generosity is needed more than ever during the pandemic. Many nonprofits that have been most strained by the economic downturn are the very ones Mainers are relying on in order to weather it.

While many wealthy donors are stepping up to meet the need, some critics say such giving isn't enough.

 

In general, should wealthy people be giving more to address basic human needs in the U.S.?
Yes (59%, 172 VOTES)
No (41%, 118 VOTES)
Poll Description

Sponsored by: OTELCO

Public attention in Maine has recently focused on several high-profile charitable gifts, including a $25 million donation to Maine Medical Center, a total of $4 million contributed to two Maine nonprofits, and the charitable gift of a North Haven farm, valued at nearly $5 million.

These gifts — and many similar ones — have originated from affluent donors whose generosity is needed more than ever during the pandemic. Many nonprofits that have been most strained by the economic downturn are the very ones Mainers are relying on in order to weather it.

While many wealthy donors are stepping up to meet the need, some critics say such giving isn't enough.

 

  • 290 Votes
  • 21 Comments
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21 Comments

  • June 22, 2021

    The 25 richest Americans paid little to no federal income taxes, according to a report released Tuesday by the nonprofit news organization ProPublica. How is that fair?

  • June 22, 2021

    Maine should allow more charitable giving in tax code. Less than most states.

  • June 21, 2021

    The income inequality in this country is caused to a large extent by the destruction of our currency, the US dollar, by unrestrained deficit spending at the Federal level. The average hourly worker, renting an apartment etc. is doomed because they own no real assets which increase in nominal dollar value as the dollar depreciates. If one wishes to donate to the needy the best way is through your church not another government program or entity where the problem started.

  • June 21, 2021

    "Should" (expresses obligation) & "Giving" (out of love or concern)...... Odd how the question is formed to force the fortunate without expectation from those receiving. Elevating "Basic Human Needs" by adding cell phones or monthly payments without accountability, of use, while counting the money of the ones that sacrificed to succeed breeds aggravation and frustration. If accountability is desired it should also be uniform in practice. Than we will have surrendered the free market entirely and stepped fully into the socialist mentality.

  • June 21, 2021

    If we structured access to healthcare the way the rest of the developed world does and implemented a fair and equitable tax structure, then philanthropy would be a supplement not a life line for most non profits.