Will told only part of red, blue giving story

In his March 2 column, "Bleeding hearts, but tight fists," George Will attempts to advance the preposterous notion that higher rates of charitable giving by conservatives confirm they care more about the poor than liberals.

He relies heavily on data showing that people in 'red' states -- those voting for George Bush in 2004 -- gave more generously and hence are more compassionate, than those in 'blue' states who voted for John Kerry.

Actually, very few charitable dollars go to the poor. Most go to churches -- conservatives giving to conservatives -- and private universities, hardly bastions of the poor.

As to how the poor actually fare in the states Will congratulates for their generosity, we conducted a study of child well-being in 2007 using 10 commonly accepted indicators -- poverty, infant mortality, incarceration, insurance coverage, teen pregnancy, etc.

We found that all 20 of the bottom states were red and nine of the top 10 were blue.

In turn, these outcomes were highly correlated with a state's total tax burden: higher taxes were associated with the best outcomes while lower taxes were associated with the worst.

Tax revenue is divided up by elected legislative bodies which are charged with serving the greatest good, including the needs of the poor.

Private donations are important, but donors direct funds to what is important to them.

On a per capita basis, the mostly red, poorer states receive far more funds from the federal treasury than they put in.

Where does this "surplus" money come from?

Yes, from federal taxes collected from mostly blue, richer states, which are then transferred disproportionately by Congress to poorer states in order to do things -- like help the poor.

Michael Petit, president Every Child Matters

Education Fund

Washington, D.C.