Liberals Give Less To Charity,New Book Claims

The Post-Standard reports on Syracuse University professor Arthur C. Brooks' new book:

The book, titled "Who Really Cares: The Surprising Truth About Compassionate Conservatism," (Basic Books, $26) is due for release Nov. 24.

When it comes to helping the needy, he writes: "For too long, liberals have been claiming they are the most virtuous members of American society. Although they usually give less to charity, they have nevertheless lambasted conservatives for their callousness in the face of social injustice."

Months before those words came ran off the press, news of his research reached the producers of ABC’s "20/20," who filmed extensive interviews with Brooks to be aired next month on in a one-hour special next month dealing with charity and philanthropy.

The fact that ABC will focus on the political, rather than cultural, aspects of his book frightens him less than the potential for a call from Bill O’Reilly, Fox News’ hard-hitting conservative commentator.

"I can say no, if I want to," he said.

The truth, Brooks says, is that if an interview with O’Reilly means furthering his message that America needs more charity — especially from those who call themselves liberal — he’d probably do it.

Imagine that.