A local United Way office realized that it had never received a donation from the town's most successful lawyer. The person in charge of contributions called him to persuade him to contribute. ""Our research shows that out of a yearly income of at least $500000 you give not a penny to charity. Wouldn't you like to give back to the community in some way?"" The lawyer mulled this over for a moment and replied ""First did your research also show that my mother is dying after a long illness and has medical bills that are several times her annual income?"" Embarrassed the United Way rep mumbled ""Um...no."" ""-or that my brother a disabled veteran is blind and confined to a wheelchair?"" The stricken United Way rep began to stammer out an apology but was interrupted ""-or that my sister's husband died in a traffic accident"" the lawyer's voice rising in indignation ""leaving her penniless with three children?"" The humiliated United Way rep completely beaten said simply ""I had no idea..."" On a roll the lawyer cut him off once again: ""-so if I don't give any money to them why should I give any to you?""