The foundation exists and thrives on the fruits of our economic system. The dividends of competitive enterprise make it all possible. A significant portion of the abundance created by U.S. business enables the foundation and like institutions to carry on their work. In effect, the foundation is a creature of capitalism—a statement that, I’m sure, would be shocking to many professional staff people in the field of philanthropy. It is hard to discern recognition of this fact in anything the foundation does. It is even more difficult to find an understanding of this in many of the institutions . . . that are the beneficiaries of the foundation’s grant programs.
It may come as a surprise to learn that these were not the sentiments of some anti-establishment activist, but of the thoroughly establishment Henry Ford II.
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