But while we might have this innate self-centric orientation, there is something we can do to reconcile our perception with reality.

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But it is my hope and prayer that Congress gets off its self-centric butt and makes Qualified Charitable Distributions a permanent part of our tax code. (Can you hear the crickets chirping?) This would allow the charitably inclined and qualified charitable organizations to make predictable plans to pursue their worthy missions, tax free.

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Self-confident, protective and even heroic, under stress they can turn into ego-centric bullies who are secretive and fearful.

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