Today on my way to lunch I passed a homeless guy with a sign that read “VoteObama, I need the money.” I laughed. Once in the restaurant my server had on an “Obama 08” tie. Again I laughed as he had given away his politicalpreference—just imagine the coincidence.
When the bill came I decided not to tip the server and explained to him thatI 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 tosomeone 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 wasgrateful.
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 waiterwas 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.