Should something similar to 'The Giving Pledge' be started in all countries?

Actually I think every individual can do the same without having to wait for a contry to adopt this. If we look at the birds we will notice that they never store for the next day or even the next meal! Their faith in God is much greater than ours as we seek to save and store for our children and our grandchildren! The key to happiness is in simplicity. Simplicity in needs, simplicity in desires, food habit, belongings, thoughts and even words.

Donation is good but it utilization is required rather than just doing it, i better belive that instead of all these there is need for the providing t he way of living rather than throwing the food to what like hungry dog. It is the rule of nature only those with power grow money what i mean here. Poorermay to going to get rich but there is need of the oppurtunity rathet than the donation. In INDIA there exist there things where we donate our money as tax to govt and the bloody neta kep donating these in the swiss bank. Our great donor our leader are. I am proud of them

I didn't know these things until you start this discussion, but Yes, it's really a noble thing. In India...I wish at least everyone takes the pledge of "Not taking from others", especially politicians.

This move is worthy of praise and support, but I guess Mr. and Mrs. Gates and Mr. Buffet are rare personalities. I think Mr. Buffet is already collaborating with the Melinda and Bill Gates Foundation by donating some of his income to it. It would be good if other bi/millionaires will follow suit. It is actually not a very difficult choice for them because their donations are tax-exempt. By donating, they also get recognized as philanthropists, a distinction which will not do harm to - in fact may facilitate - their businesses. The more they donate, the more recognition they get. And they get to influence how their money is spent by their own choices of private foundations and programs to give money to. Those who have criticisms about how government spends tax dollars will have this opportunity to show the government how and where financial resources should be spent and what should be its impact. Friend Stine1_reloaded's idea that programs and projects should "teach people how to fish," and not merely give them fish. To stretch the analogy a bit, it should also help the target beneficiaries build the fishponds and other infrastructures to direct and manage the water. Otherwise, giving them only fish will feed them only for a day. I support the idea that the government's take from taxation should also include appropriations for philanthropy at home and, if there is much more, abroad. Me, I happen to think that THERE IS NO COUNTRY so poor as to be unable to send help outside, even if only in small amounts on an irregular basis or by sending volunteers on short term basis. It is not just the amount that matters, but rather one's obligation to humanity. By the way, Friend Stine1_reloaded's country, Germany, is a good study of a citizen-wide taxation and allocation system that allows the citizens, through the various organizations of religious and/or humanitarian and/or developmental and/or political persuasions, to provide support to development work at home and abroad. What of the Philippines? A few mega-rich have established their own foundations. Others continue to give tax-exempt donations to various foundations.