I think I already addressed these objections, but let me try to be more specific. > If I've identified what I believe is the most efficient way of doing good,

I think I already addressed these objections, but let me try to be more specific. > If I've identified what I believe is the most efficient way of doing good, why introduce middlemen Because (unless you arrived to your conclusion by asking people globally what they need), you've just become the middleman! Then you are the one deciding what's good for the others, not the recipients. I think it's very tempting, and that's why people should take extra precautions not to do it. > Politicians simply think voters would vote them out of office if they increased foreign aid at the expense of making substantial cuts (Assuming you avoid those $5K in taxes.) This is pretty much an age old question whether it is morally acceptable to steal a loaf of bread to feed a starving person. What I am saying is that it is morally acceptable, but only as a kludge. What you really should strive for is a society which doesn't face these moral dilemmas. Likewise, I consider charity only a kludge. It can do good, but can be done far better. > If a person legitimately wanted to become better than they are, how should they go about it if not through generosity of spirit and action? Assuming "honestly wanted to become better", I think do three things: 1. If you want to be generous, do it through your own work (that you do for living). That means do not cheat your customers, or even maybe decrease your price. And it implies not trying to gain power or cheat other people in order to do good - that's often a delusion. 2. If you think your work doesn't have an impact it should, change your job. 3. Alternatively, to help other people, help them get the more equal political and economic power in having their own say about what their needs are (so they can better share resources). (This also carries a lot of risk and is more helpful than trying to figure out how to cheat on taxes. What I am really saying: Subterfuge is allowed if other people benefit, not you - so it's OK to break the laws and norms regarding point 3, not 1.) All of them are very hard to do, because it's very hard to be honest with yourself and not to think you can do better if you actually become a middleman. And that's why I don't like charity - it's awfully tricky to get right.