> instead of the government serving as a middleman for charities and making political decisions on who-gets-what, it allows the citizens to more freely support

> instead of the government serving as a middleman for charities and making political decisions on who-gets-what, it allows the citizens to more freely support the charities they like directly. In this case it would make sense to make the donations mandatory and income-dependent. Let people choose which cause to support but don't let them choose not to support anything. I happily pay income tax for the state to support those around me who need it, which ideally should cover the need for donations fully, but see your point. Still, nobody should be dependent on only the good-will of other luckier people to this extent, when the system and people's background influence economical success this much.