Political do-goodism is no good.

It is much easier to cast a vote in support of a politician who promises to help the poor, than to take your own time and money to help them. Buying promises of political action may ease your conscience, but it will not really help the plight of the poor. If you really want to make a difference, instead of supporting plans for universal children’s health care, write a check to a charity that works for the same thing, such as Children’s Medical Charities of America, or, better still, your local charity hospital.