Howard Husock says tradition of American philanthropy isn't about magnitude as much as independence (and that proposed new regulations might endanger both).

"But a review of the big-ticket gifts—which are just a small portion of the more than $300 billion in overall household and corporate charitable giving—reminds us that American philanthropy is not just significant for its magnitude.  It is also independent—meaning that it is directed in thoughtful, personal ways by individuals with their own interests and enthusiasms, not—at least not yet—directed by government.  That may be changing in ways that should concern us (and are the focus of my recent book Philanthropy Under Fire)." -- Howard Husock, Forbes