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?"