A lawyer and his charity

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?"