Thursday, October 23, 2008

Redistribution of Wealth

I got this today via e-mail. Makes you think!

Today on my way to lunch I passed a homeless guy with a sign that read "Vote Obama, I need the money." I laughed.

Once in the restaurant my server had on an 'Obama 08' tie, again I laughed as he had given away his political preference--just imagine the coincidence.

When the bill came I decided not to tip the server and explained to him that I was exploring the Obama "redistribution of wealth" concept. He stood there in disbelief while I told him that I was going to redistribute his tip to someone who I deemed more in need--the homeless guy outside. The server angrily stormed from my sight.

I went outside, gave the homeless guy $10 and told him to thank the server inside as I've decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy was grateful. At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that I gave away the money he did earn even, though the actual recipient deserved money more.

I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application.

Now you should go out and do likewise.

20 comments:

jill jill bo bill said...

WOW! You got balls, sista! And you made a fabulous point. Maybe that server will give us one more vote for McCain.

Lone Chatelaine said...

Right on :)

That Janie Girl said...

Well, um...

Yeah. ;)

Karen Townsend said...

This is going around and I'm loving it. If folks would actually think and listen a bit, the election wouldn't even be close.

Lynellen said...

See, this just supports my "Reservoir Dogs" belief that no one should ever tip waiters for regular service. Outstanding, beyond the job description service: sure. But for just-doing-your-job? No way. No one tips ME for just doing my job.

Gretchen said...

Interesting theory, but I don't think that's quite what he meant.

Remember if you vote for McCain, Palin is a heartbeat (and that's a weak one) away from being President. Do you TRULY want her in charge? She's a radical and will take away even more of our hard-earned rights. All it takes is ONE on the Supreme Court and there goes Roe Vs. Wade, prayer in school, etc.... I'm terrified of that. Check her background a bit before you're pushing for that. Find out about the witchhunter who blessed her. Then if you think she is the best candidate, you can wink wink your way to the voter booth on the 4th.

Stu Pidasso said...

I.LOVE.IT. That is the best example of the political differences that I have seen in a loooooong time, but I am still voting independant. I just think that BOTH the dems and the repubs have failed the people by neglect. However, I still think McCain has the most heart of any of the candidates, and to insult him as the previous poster did is just tasteless.

Keeper Of All Things said...

That is pure genius!!!!
remember use it for good
not evil!!!

Jeff said...

Janie, I like to think your contribution to the homeless guy was more than just some political statement ... that, rather, it was an expression of compassion from your heart, following the advice of someone far greater than Obama, or McCain or any of that crowd.

Doozie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Doozie said...

I find that hilarious. Although I think servers are underpaid and have to depend on tips, we really don't need to know his political affiliation. A sign in your yard fine...but a walking billboard in a "neutral" establishment? No.

I don't want to start a political debate here on your blog. But I must point out, concern about losing both Roe v. Wade/prayer in schools is a pretty large contradition.

Roe V. Wade has contributed to more deaths in this country than any one war. I'm not really sure how you can be a proponent of a womans right to kill her unborn child, and the right to pray to your God in school, the Creator of LIFE from conception.

Unknown said...

Hey grab the dogs for a walk and head over my way. I have awards for you

Christina said...

I was telling this story to my husband and my in-laws and they thought it was hysterical. Way to make a point.

Stu Pidasso said...

Thanks for rolling me, janie!! I left you something on my blogsite. Stop by and pick it up.

Junosmom said...

I discussed this with my husband and this was his reply:

Unless the waitress is making over $250k a year this example isn’t valid. What most middle income families don’t realize is they are the “homeless beggars” when comparing to the top 10% of households who own 90% of the wealth in this country and whose incomes have doubled or tripled in the last ten years while the middle class has barely remained even in real dollars. The super rich earn most of their income selling securities at a capital gains tax rate that is well below the income tax rate middle income families pay so proportionally they pay fewer taxes already. I personally don’t feel bad about making them pay a little more for Bush's wars, Wall Street bailout etc, and would be happy to have the problem of reaching the 250k+ crowd so I can complain like Joe the Plumber.

Sandy Kessler said...

You rock girl - All small business owners are asked to cut back. they are looking for Obamam bumper stickers and signs - they'll be the first to go . What a crap shoot !!

Snooty Primadona said...

I just deleted a huge, long comment I left. It won't change any minds now, I don't suppose. So, I'll keep my brilliant thoughts & opinions to myself today, lol. But Janie, I think you and I both know which way we're heading. Might be Mexico if things turn out badly, lol.

Foo said...

A-frickin'-men, Janie.

amelia bedelia said...

way to go!!! I love that story! Now go out and tell EVERYONE!

Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poet said...

I like it.