Flawed foundations.

• Author: Peters, Charles
• Position: Tilting at Windmills

Still another example of the uses of definition comes from the world of foundations. Foundations are required to dispose of at least 5 percent of their assets each year. The idea is that they should make at least some charitable or educational use of their money. The foundations, however, apply the Art of Redefinition and count salaries, trustees fees, legal and accounting fees, rent and office expenses as part of the 5 percent. Needless to say, the salaries and fees represent a tempting opportunity for the people who run the foundations to enrich themselves at the expense of their supposed beneficiaries. When Congress proposes reform to prevent abuse, foundation...