Friday, October 24, 2008

Gratuitous income redistribution

A story making the rounds as found on Donald Luskin's blog:

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 an "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.


Somebody wants to spread our wealth, traders. In the markets profits are NOT a dirty word. It is the result of hard work - something that is especially true in a tough bear market.

1 comment:

QUALITY STOCKS UNDER FIVE DOLLARS said...

Most of the problems of inequality are the cause of inflation with sound money all the stuff going on could not happen. They would have to make their money the old fashion way earn it.