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 my Family,
Why should I give any to you?"