Does it matter why someone contributes to a charity? If the result is support for cancer research or more Toys for Tots at Christmas, do we second-guess the donor's or fundraiser's motives? For the most part we don't. We take the money because it supports a social benefit that more than compensates for whatever unattractive thing might be at the root of the gift. We also want to avoid offending donors with any suggestion that they don't share our charitable goals. It's easier that way.

Recent stories out of Washington suggest that doing the easy thing may not serve the

overall interests of the charitable sector, even as individual charities benefit from the cash infusion.