A Word From History... Will Enough People HEAR It?...

Something I received from a friend today...

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 deserved money
more.

I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to
swallow in concept than in practical application. During this
political season let's be reminded of these wise words:

"You cannot help the poor by destroying the
rich.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot
bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot lift the wage
earner up by pulling the wage payer down.
You cannot further the brotherhood
of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot build character and courage by
taking away people's initiative and independence.
You cannot help people
permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for
themselves."

--Abraham Lincoln