Friday, October 24, 2008

The meaning of "Redistribution of Wealth"

Email that I received:
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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--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 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.

3 comments:

Myra said...

Good very good Eric..I may have to use this demonstration myself...
Myra

Valerie said...

I LOVE IT! Alex would be laughing his head off right now! In fact, I'm going to call him, just to make his day brighter...thank you!

Unknown said...

And I bet, out of those three folks in the story - not one of them makes over $250,000 a year do they?

The homeless man isn't even applicable as he doesn't pay income tax. Or maybe he does and just chooses to be homeless.

This argument is moot. I look forward to benefiting from Obama's tax plan...