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Unable to be encapsulated by the political divide, the debate between charity and philanthropy can offer each side a healthy balance and counterbalance that presents powerful possibilities.

"One of the more fascinating elements of the history of the relationship between charity and philanthropy is the political and ideological indeterminacy of that dichotomy.

"We’re all familiar with one interpretation of the dynamic. Charity, with an implicit (and sometimes implicit) contrast to philanthropy, assumes a status as a conservative counterweight to the push for structural change and as an alternative—at times intentionally proffered—to the demands of social justice. Charity becomes the natural response to the biblical injunction that the Poor you will always have with you, as much a passive excuse as an affirmative act."--Benjamin Soskie, HistPhil.org


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