Redistribution of wealth

Today on my way to lunch I passed a homeless guy with a sign the read “Vote
Obama, I need the money.” I laughed.

Once in the restaurant my server had on a “Obama 08" tie, again I
laughed–just imagine the coincidence.

Suddenly, it hit me. An experiment is in order.

I asked the server, did he really believe that Obama's platform was a good one? Yes, he did.

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 the money more.

I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept
than in practical application - at least if it is your wealth that is being redistributed.