Don’t Let Charities and Government Get Too Close

To the Editor:

It is a large — and possibly treacherous — leap from supporting Arabic language and cultural-studies programs to gathering intelligence and identifying terrorists. But Michael S. Kutzin (“How Charities Can Fight Terrorism,” December 9) suggests that the nonprofit world thereby apply its talents and resources to “curbing the terrorist threat to free societies.”

Before taking that road, it’s best to recall the government’s enlistment of certain foundations as conduits for cold-war propaganda. When this secret role was disclosed the philanthropic community was forced to review its role as an independent force in American life. That independence had also been challenged in Congressional hearings on alleged subversive activities by foundations.

In pursuit of its war on terrorism, the government is already enlisting the nonprofit community by such means as checking staff against government “watch lists.”

Given its capacity to complicate the lives of foundations and nonprofit organizations through regulation and investigation, the government can draw our community further into the war on terrorism in the name of patriotism. That is a road that should not be taken. The best patriotic role the nonprofit community can play is to preserve its independence in advancing human welfare.

Richard I. Magat
Senior Fellow
Community Resource Exchange
New York