stance. Many will say they do not have time to volunteer, but Payne predicts that advances in technology, a larger population of retirees, and more leisure time should allow us more time. As a country we have simply forgotten how to volunteer. Throughout the book, Payne weaves personal quotes and excerpts from the writings of nineteenth-century charity workers. This approach is illuminating because it illustrates how far removed from this model our attitude toward giving has become. Today's social programs are weighed down by government regulations and rules}programs must serve everyone equally. Payne argues that should not be the case. He compares and contrasts the methods and effectiveness of private charities or organizations that have embraced the concept of expectant giving and the government's system of sympathetic giving. Payne's book is thought provoking and insightful. He portrays a country that has had good intentions, but in the end failed its needy. Payne does a excellent job of identifying the inherent weaknesses in America's public programs and the highlights the value of expectant giving. America's system of public assistance will continue to be flawed until we can reform our understanding of poverty. Welfare reform must become a system of giving the needy a hand up rather than a hand out. ...
