me again
10-31-2008, 10:39 PM
Today on my way to breakfast (Bob Evans restaurant) -- I drove past a homeless guy with a sign that read "Vote Obama, I need the money." I laughed ... at least he was creative.
Once in the restaurant my server had on a "Obama 08" necktie. I laughed again as she had given away her political preference - and she set herself up.
When the bill came, I decided not to tip the server and explained to her that I was exploring the Obama "redistribution of wealth" concept. She stood there in quiet disbelief, while I told her that I was going to redistribute her well-earned tip to somebody who I deemed more in need - the homeless guy down the street. The server angrily stormed out from my view.
I went outside, drove down the street and gave the homeless guy two bucks and told him to thank the server back at the Bob Evans, as I've decided he could use the money more more than the waitress. The homeless guy seemed puzzled but grateful.
At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment, I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money that he did not earn, but the waitress was pretty angry that I gave away the money that she did earn, even though the actual recipient needed the money more than she did.
I guess "redistribution of wealth" is an easier thing to swallow as an abstract concept than in its practical application. I don't think I managed to change the server's vote, but it was worth a try.
Once in the restaurant my server had on a "Obama 08" necktie. I laughed again as she had given away her political preference - and she set herself up.
When the bill came, I decided not to tip the server and explained to her that I was exploring the Obama "redistribution of wealth" concept. She stood there in quiet disbelief, while I told her that I was going to redistribute her well-earned tip to somebody who I deemed more in need - the homeless guy down the street. The server angrily stormed out from my view.
I went outside, drove down the street and gave the homeless guy two bucks and told him to thank the server back at the Bob Evans, as I've decided he could use the money more more than the waitress. The homeless guy seemed puzzled but grateful.
At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment, I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money that he did not earn, but the waitress was pretty angry that I gave away the money that she did earn, even though the actual recipient needed the money more than she did.
I guess "redistribution of wealth" is an easier thing to swallow as an abstract concept than in its practical application. I don't think I managed to change the server's vote, but it was worth a try.