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 I was exploring the redistribution of wealth concept. He stood there in disbelief while I told him 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. I told him to thank the server inside the restaurant as I’ve decided he could use the money more than the server.

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 server was pretty angry I gave away the money the server 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.

– Henry Bouton