A local United Way office realized that the organization 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
$700,000, 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."
The lawyer interrupts, "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 again.
"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?"
