The staff at a local United Way office realized that it had neverreceived a donation from the town's most successful lawyer.

The person in charge of contributions called him to persuade him tocontribute. Our research shows that out of a yearly income of atleast $500,000, you give not a penny to charity. Wouldn't you like togive back to the community in some way?

The lawyer mulled this over for a moment and replied, First, did yourresearch also show that my mother is dying after a long illness, andhas medical bills that are several times her annual income?

Embarrassed, the United Way representative mumbled, Um... No.

Or, the lawyer continued, that my brother, a disabled veteran, isblind and confined to a wheelchair?

The stricken United Way representative began to stammer out an apologybut was interrupted when the lawyer added, Or that my sister'shusband died in a traffic accident? the lawyer's voice rising inindignation, Leaving her pennyless with three children?

The humiliated United Way representative, completely beaten, saidsimply, I had no idea...

On a roll, the lawyer cut him off once again, So if I don't give anymoney to them, why should I give any to you?