For most of us, this is the season of giving. But if you’re in a certain, extraordinarily slim segment of the wealthiest Americans, it’s also the season of taking — taking tax deductions.
As Chuck Collins and Bella DeVaan share this week, America’s billionaires are exploiting our charitable giving laws to claim big tax breaks, which are subsidized by the rest of us. And their wealth managers are keeping that money parked in interest-generating funds, collecting management fees — and keeping that “charitable” money out of the hands of real charities. This week in OtherWords, Chuck and Bella explain how to make our charitable giving system charitable again.
Also this week, Aspen Coriz-Romero has a must-read piece on what child immigrant advocates are warning about the Trump administration. And Robin S.C. Griffin shares a personal piece about the GOP’s war on trans people — and how it presages a war on other rights.
And finally, you’re probably about ready to take a break from news and politics. That’s totally understandable, says Joanna DiStefano. But it’s not the time to tune out completely. She explains how to stay engaged with the political process regardless of who you voted for.
New This Week…
Let’s Make This a Season of Giving, Not Hoarding | Chuck Collins and Bella DeVaan
Billionaires and Wall Street exploit our charitable giving laws to dodge taxes and collect fees, hurting real charities in the process.
“Gas on a Dumpster Fire”: Immigration Policy Under Trump 2.0 | Aspen Coriz-Romero
Immigrant advocates explain what’s at stake for children seeking safety at the border under the next administration.
If Republicans Can Take My Rights Away Today, They’ll Take Yours Tomorrow | Robin S.C. Griffin
The GOP’s attacks on trans people are setting a stage for a broader assault on rights we all enjoy.
Democracy Doesn’t End on Election Day | Joanna DiStefano
Now’s not the time to tune out — nor to take our newly elected leaders at their word.
In Case You Missed It…
Trump’s Already Rewarding Fossil Fuel CEOs. That’s Not Good for Consumers or the Planet. | Sonali Kolhatkar
If you think fossil fuel profits lead to better prices, then look again at the Biden administration.
Another ‘Whitelash’ Election | Tracey L. Rogers
The unmistakably racist tenor of Trump’s successful campaign poses a real challenge to the future of our multiracial democracy.
We Need to Invest in Families. Project 2025 Wants the Opposite. | Chloe Medina
I’m a mom of four and have a child with special needs. Conservatives are pushing harsh cuts to programs that families like mine rely on.
Want More Young People to Join the Military? Spend Less On It | Lindsay Koshgarian
We need to invest in a country worth fighting for, not endless wars and boondoggles for military contractors.
