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The Protestant and Catholic population in that town were of the same economic status so that doesn't explain the difference. Do you have an idea why the "high pressure" money tactic actually resulted in fewer $'s than the "low pressure" technique?

Catholics are notoriously stingy. Many have apparently internalized that old "they have all those fancy palaces and priceless artwork they don't need any more money" thing.

The question of "collections",money and giving, is too easy to gloss over. It is important and has,and has had,far reaching implications with respect to the culture of the United States.

American people in general do not look back and consequently we too often plan for tomorrow based on misconceptions of the past. I think it could be fun to look at the whole issue and discuss it at length at some point but for now I want to throw out two statements for your consideration.

1.American society and prosperity therein is/was driven by the White,Anglo-Saxon,Protestant work ethic.

2.Demographic studies, well into the 60's,placed Catholics in the "upper-lower" class and "lower-middle"class, socio-economically.

I think these two statements have much to do with our value system, religion in American life,the "Culture of Death"and September 11. Any thoughts?