Spam Email of the Day- 24 Oct 2008

This stuff it proliferating. I can deal with a week and a half of this stuff. I'm getting very worried about 4-8 years.

Here's the first email:

Here is a creative approach to redistribution of wealth as offered in a local newspaper...

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.

My response:

No, that would be communism. Or just being a jerk.

Socialism is when everyone chips in a little for there to be a safety net for who need it. There are plenty of examples of "socialism" at work that nobody complains about. Europe is filled with "socialists," yet the Eurozone is a significantly larger economy than the US (translation: "socialists" make more money than "capitalists," even after factoring in higher taxes). The police department, fire department, public library, Medicare, and Social (you see, that SOCIAL word) Security are all "socialism" in the US. All are pretty successful. Should the fire department only put out your house if you have the ability to pay them first for putting the fire out?

If you're against the fire department and the police department, by all means, start movement to shut them down. Start a petition drive. Contact your representative. By all means, take some action. Take your money back from those filthy "socialists." I'd love to see how much support you get.

It's also ironic that you complain about Obama when the current president, who I'm willing to bet you voted for, is funneling how many billions (trillions?) of your tax dollars to Wall Street and others in bailout after bailout?

I'm getting testy. Had to get some detox entertainment: Bullworth on Hulu.