The problem with the American system isn&#x27;t the culture of direct donations from private individuals. The problem is that too few people have the means to give: it&#x27;s the distribution of wealth.<p>A culture where private people donate is really attractive. I know that I get a lot of joy when I help people out - I donate regularly to the causes I feel important (mainly Africa, as a Brit living in Netherlands I figure I owe them). As the article says, it improves social cohesion.<p>Wouldn&#x27;t it be nice to live in a society where &quot;everyone&quot; enjoyed the gift of giving?