Late one night, deep in the 'hood, two homeless men curled up on top of a steam grating. It was chilly outside, and the warmth they found behind the old factory was welcome indeed. They made some cheap conversation;
Fat Jack: Hi there, you from these parts?
Thin Jim: Reckon I am - I be here ten years now!
Fat Jack: Well the name is Jack, Fat Jack is what I'm called. As a joke, that is.
Thin Jim: Joke??
Fat Jack: Cause I'm really darn thin. Not eating right all these years and all...
Thin Jim: Well, the same joke here; I'm known as Thin Jim, and no, I never was!
Fat Jack: Well you certainly have been feeding somewheres -
Thin Jim: Some people are nice, Jack; they had pity on me.
Fat Jack: I don't know about pity, Jim, I think we deserve food.
Thin Jim: Why, what are you to them? Nuthin but a beggar!
Fat Jack: And if I am, don't a beggar need to eat?
Thin Jim: Yeah, but do they owe it to you?
Fat Jack: I think so; they have responsibility on that money of theirs...
Thin Jim: What’s that?
Fat Jack: If they were granted money, they need to share it!
Thin Jim: Who says, bub?
Fat Jack: Two reasons, my friend; One - some of them make more than they can ever eat...
Thin Jim: So what?
Fat Jack: So obviously it was not given for them, that's what. If one guy got more than he needs and the other less, doesn't it make sense that it was given to share?
Thin Jim: Yo got some strong opinions there, man
Fat Jack: Heck, it's not even theirs, I say!
Thin Jim: What about the regular folks, the ones only making enough?
Fat Jack: Well someone is got to provide for us all; and if it's not me, it's gotta be them! Money is only there to be shared...
Thin Jim: Alrighty, what’s your other reason, pal?
Fat Jack: Well look at it this way; we are all in it here together.
Thin Jim: I'll be darned if I have any idea what you are talking about…
Fat Jack: I mean, all humankind is really like one big family.
Thin Jim: So?...
Fat Jack: So people have an obligation towards one another…
Thin Jim: What’s that?
Fat Jack: They need to make sure the next guy is fed and housed
Thin Jim: Your ideas are off the wall, Jack, you can be a politician
Fat Jack: How'd you figure that out??
Thin Jim: They are forever convincing you of what just aint!
Fat Jack: So what do YOU think, then?
Thin Jim: I think people can give others as a free gift.
Fat Jack: No obligation?
Thin Jim: Nothing! They are giving in kindness and generosity!
Fat Jack: And what of their social obligation?
Thin Jim: Is that your business or theirs?
Fat Jack: I suppose theirs. Let’s pretend we was rich, Jim!
Thin Jim: Hey, I'm rich! I just found a gold bar in the dumpster!
Fat Jack: Right on, now tell me; why ought you give charity?
Thin Jim: You mean ought I to give out of obligation or generosity?
Fat Jack: Yeah!
Thin Jim: Well, what's the difference to me?
Fat Jack: Who do you give to first; people that are most needy, or people that you are most obligated to, like your relatives?
Thin Jim: Good question. You say it has to do with giving out of obligation or generosity?
Fat Jack: Well if you give out of obligation, we need to see where your greatest obligation lies, if you give out of your heart, just follow your heart.
Thin Jim: And if I'm giving out of obligation I don't need to be in the mood. If I'm giving with generosity I do. And backwards too; if I give with a grumpy face I’ve fulfilled my obligation. But generous? No way!
Fat Jack: Move over Jim. You drowsed me out. I'm getting some shut-eye.
Thin Jim: You said the word, my man!
At this point the dialog become rather loud and monotonous, certainly not one I'd care to repeat.
But what do YOU think about this all; ought a man to give out of obligation, or out of generosity?
Give us your vote, will ya, we are the gift card donation folks, click here and tell us what you think!
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