Leaders Should Not be Praised for Giving Away Other People's Money

I can't believe it when I hear people say that President Bush is being stingy with aid to Sri Lanka. It isn't his money.

As worthy a recipient of aid as Sri Lanka has become, I would be more likely to criticize the president for throwing millions of tax dollars at the problem than I am for his careful review of the situation. I have argued for years that CEOs who give millions of shareholder dollars to worthy causes, just so they can receive a $10 plaque, should be fired.

You and I, any CEO, and the president of the United States can only be judged generous or stingy if we are giving away our own money.