Generous lawyer
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?"