This is a few weeks old, but if you haven't had a chance to read through the excellent debate on philanthropy at the Boston Review, make some time to do so. Robert Reich's lead essay, "What are Foundations For?", raises some very provocative questions about the purpose, nature, and operation of charitable foundations. Please don't miss Chris Coyne and Tyler Cowen's responses to Reich's essay. Both are professors of economics at George Mason University and scholars at the Mercatus Center at GMU. Professor Coyne argues that foundations represent "an important form of voluntary choice in a free society." Professor Cowen points to the inefficiency of foundations, but he counters Reich's claim that foundations are "plutocratic." Really great stuff here, and several other fine essays (including Reich's subsequent response to all) that are worth your time.

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