Parade' asks Romney if tithing is 'a form of socialism

Sunday's issue of Parade, already available online, contains an interview with Mitt and Ann Romney. In the Q&A Mitt talks about who informs his positions on foreign policy (includes Condoleezza Rice, Henry Kissinger, John Bolton), music he enjoys (The Killers) and whether he cries ("I don't show it quite as clearly as John Boehner, but I'm an emotional person").

Then there's this question regarding the Romneys' donations to the Mormon church:

Tithing sounds like a form of it takes a village.You're helping the community.

MR:  I think you'll find that conservatives are more generous philanthropically than people who are not conservatives. People who are in favor of small government are very much in favor of personal action to help other people in need.

Is that a form of socialism?

MR: From the very beginning, the willingness of neighbors to help raise the barn of a next-door neighbor was characteristic of America. But at the same time we take personal responsibility for our lives. Does government play a role? Absolutely. You know, I chuckle when I hear people say, 'Oh, they don't want any government.' Of course we want government! But it is government to encourage the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness of its citizens, as opposed to direct the course of their living.

A similar interview with President Obama will run in the Sept. 2 issue.

[Parade]