A local Salvation Army office realized that it had never received a donation from the town's MP. 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 £500,000, you give not a penny to charity. Wouldn't you like to give back to the community in some way?"
The MP mulled this over for a moment and replied, "First, did your research also show that my mother is living in a shabby little apartment, and has medical bills that are several times her annual income?"
Embarrassed, the Sally Army rep mumbled, "Ummm...no."
"Or that my brother, a disabled soldier, cannot hold a steady job?"
The stricken Sally Army rep began to stammer out an apology but was interrupted, "Or that my sister is a single mother with three children to raise?!"
The humiliated Sally Army rep, completely beaten, said simply, "I had no idea..."
On a roll, the MP cut him off once again:
"--so if I don't give any money to them, why should I give any to you?!"