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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 21, 2021

    While I agree wholeheartedly with the first comment, the majority of the wealthy weathered the pandemic most profitably while a greater percentage of lower income Americans suffered, especially those who did not receive unemployment checks. Responsible persons on the right and on the left should see beyond their comfort zone to contribute to the general welfare of the community as a whole.

  • June 21, 2021

    whose to say how much someone should give? Do we also tell the poor and needy how save, budget and spend?

  • June 21, 2021
    What kind of silly question is this? Do I think someone else should give away their money? What right do I have to say? If they earned it legally, it's theirs. If you are asking if it's morally right for someone with the means to give to charity, I say absolutely. What if we asked the "rich" if they think the "poor" should work harder? We could also poll those over a certain income level and ask the reasons they give and what would inspire them to give more. This poll isn't worth the paper it's printed on, especially considering it isn't even printed.
  • June 21, 2021

    The wealthy population of people in Maine have worked hard for what they have and I feel they shouldn’t be signaled out for there success. Let’s allow people to donate on their terms.

  • June 21, 2021

    There is no question that our income and wealth gap has increased dramatically in the last 40+ years. This unfortunate fact has led to two-tiered systems related to housing, healthcare, education, criminal justice, etc. We need to recognize the gap as a country and have an honest dialog regarding policies to test corrections. No small task in the current political environment.