A local United
Way office realized that it had never received a donation from the
town's most successful lawyer. The person in charge of contributions
called him to persuade him to contribute. "Our research shows
that out of a yearly income of at least $500,000, you give not a penny
to charity. Wouldn't you like to give back to the community in some
way?"
The lawyer mulled this over for a moment
and replied, "First, did your research also show that my mother
is dying after a long illness, and has medical bills that are several
times her annual income?"
Embarrassed, the United Way rep mumbled,
"Um...no."
" . . . or that my brother, a
disabled veteran, is blind and confined to a wheelchair?" The
stricken United Way rep began to stammer out an apology but was
interrupted, ". . . or that my sister's husband died in a traffic
accident," the lawyer's voice rising in indignation,
"leaving her penniless with three children?!"
The humiliated United Way rep,
completely beaten, said simply, "I had no idea..."
On a roll, the lawyer cut him off once
again:
". . . so if I don't give any money
to them, why should I give any to you?!?"
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