The virtue of anonymous charitable contribution

On February 23, 2006, the Government Accounting Office released its “Federal Response to Hurricane Katrina: the Lessons Learned. Footnote 90 states: “The Department of State lists 151 countries” that offered assistance.” It further stated: “Two additional countries offered assistance but wished no public recognition.”

According to Rashi, anonymous contributions are most commendable. To give without expecting anything in return is the highest virtue. This may even be recommended by sacred scripture. In the Gospel of Matthew we read: “Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

On February 24, 2006, the Bush administration revealed that the United Arab Emirates gave $100 million dollars for Katrina relief, weeks before a state-owned company from the UAE sought US approval for its ports deal! Why am I not surprised!! What is amazing are two facts: London columnists noted that the Tonbridge robbers would need to use Dubai banks to launder the funds since there are so few places left willing to handle this operation and provide the depositors anonymity!!!

Was the Government Accounting Office able to account for the $100 million dollar anonymous contribution conveniently made prior to approval of the transaction allowing the Dubai Port World to manage six ports in the United States? Why am I not surprised?

And the President said he unaware that this transaction had been approved by his administration until just prior to its announcement.

Copyrighted 2006

Religion

Christianity

Gospel of Luke