Ususally the true "fat cats" are the liberal big mouths who are always on the campaign trail to buy the votes of the poor by promising more welfare. I recall seeing a listing of the charitable giving reported by Ted Kennedy, Jesse Jackson, and other famouse liberal welfare boosters. They would give a paltry couple hundred bucks a year out of huge incomes. In fact, rich people -- contrary to your statement -- are usually VERY generous to programs that help the poor. (This has also been my personal experince with the rich people I have met.) Just ask your local United Way or other group. So enough with the rich-bashing.
The commandment says, thou shalt not steal. If I come and take $500 from you without your permission to give to a person in need, I will end up in jail -- no matter how "noble" the sentiment. This commandment also applies to government. It is wrong for them to take people's money at gunpoint and distribute it as they think "charitable."
I won't even BEGIN to argue the failure of the programs you list. "Charitable" giving through the government is a sham.
Yes, there are tax breaks for business. Many of them are legitimate in that they TRULY "promote the general welfare" (unlike "welfare") because these businesses are able to expand and provide more JOBS! The "shelters" do not "hold" money, but allow for REINVESTMENT. That meens jobs for those in need.
I have never blanched at paying my taxes, because that is what Christ taught. But I also have tried my best to change the way in which they are spent away from the welfare of handing it to anyone who is simply without money, to those who are prevented by age or handicap from being able to get it. Otherwise, the money should be left to the owners (taxpayers). I also teach people to give to the truly needy, and I teach bums that they should work.