Viral email

My wife received this from her (former Obama supporting) girlfriend.

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 a "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 needed money more.

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

Frankly, I am tempted to try something similar if Milwaukee County approves their increased sales tax.

Since the only thing I buy in Milwaukee versus surrounding counties is restaurant food, I have some control of the situation. I will just deduct the extra 1% sales tax from the tip I leave my server. I end up spending no more than I would now, the server has no idea that I shorted her or him, and Milwaukee County collects the extra 1% sales tax.

I call that a WIN - WIN - WIN.