Compassion fatigue?

Having worked for the administration that coined the phrase “compassionate conservatism,” there is no doubt that we did more to aid, impact and decrease HIV/AIDS in Africa than any other administration in the history of this nation. Thus, paving the way toward a lasting legacy of what real, bipartisan compassion can do. As President George W. Bush remarked when he reflected on World AIDS Day last week: “Saving lives is never a waste of money.”

Whether you believe there is compassion fatigue when it comes to charitable contributions, or not, overall I believe we are an innately generous society that steps up when it matters. Yes, charitable giving was down slightly for 2009. But corporate giving has increased and more individuals gave to causes where the need was the greatest. There is no lack of giving, just moments of misguided priorities. While some athletes may make a mockery by milking the system and playing on our natural sympathies, as a country we never seem to let personal circumstances get in the way of our desire to alleviate someone else’s suffering. Our compassion is still alive and well.

Tara Wall is a conservative columnist, former Deputy Editor for the Washington Times and CNN Political Contributor.