Here's a true story.

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

Once inside the restaurant and seated with my guest at my favorite table #10
in the corner, our waiter approached us to order, and I noticed that he
wore an "Obama 08" tie, again I laughed as he had given away his political
preference--just imagine the coincidence. As the waiter departed with our
order, my guest and I entered into a political conversation about the Obama
tax plan that provides refunds to those taxpayers who do not pay taxes
whatsoever, but redistributes the money paid by those who do.

The meal was great, the service was terrific. When the waiter handed me
the the bill for the meal and walked away, I thought for a moment and then
told my guest that we would test the validity of Obama's concept of
redistributing our tax money right here in Zsa Zsa's. As the waiter
approached to take my money for the bill, I told him that I decided not to
leave any tip whatsoever for the terrific service and explained to the
waiter 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 we deemed more in need--the homeless guy outside who
said he needed the money. The waiter angrily protested to me, saying "what
right did we have to take his hard earned tip and give it to someone else
for the terrific service he provided, after all, he had a wife and 2 kids to
support and send to college!" I explained to him that there was nothing he
could do about it, he was middle class, and that my guest and I had voted
to do this, so he stormed from my sight, calling me every name in the book.

We then left the restaurant and I went over to the homeless guy and gave him
$20, and told him to thank the waiter at table #10 inside as I've decided he
could use the money more. The homeless guy was grateful, and promptly moved
down the block.

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
and his family were pretty angry that I gave away the money he did earn,
even though the actual recipient performed no work or service and didn't
deserve any money whatsoever.

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

Vote on November 4th, 2008

Have a great day,
Brian Jarosch