A local United Way office realized that it...

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?"