Gus diZerega, the former family friend, suggested that the Kochs’ youthful ardor for libertarianism had largely devolved into a rationale for corporate self-interest. “Perhaps he has confused making money with freedom,” he said of Charles. One conservative who worked closely with the Kochs but declined to be identified in order not to inflame the relationship went so far as to call their tax-exempt giving “a shell game.” He contended they merely saw philanthropy as preferable to paying taxes. “People say, ‘Wow—they’re so generous!’ ” he marveled. “It’s just the best available option for them.
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