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 $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."

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?"