A local charity 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 rep mumbled, "Um...no."
"--or that my brother, a disabled veteran, is blind and confined to a
wheelchair?"
The stricken 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 rep, completely beaten, said simply, "I had no idea..."
On a roll, the lawyer cut him off once again: "--and if I don't give them
a penny, why should I give any to you?!?