2008 - Mindset - Mindset

Hey, what could it hurt? The old man had been a good client for many years. Why shouldn't they humor him?

And thus, it came to pass, the old man closeted himself in the firm's law library for the better part of a week. After that, he courteously thanked his attorneys and informed them they need not concern themselves with this area of his affairs any longer. The attorneys (sensing a loss of income) tried to dissuade him. But, alas, they could not.

The old man returned home and went about his business. He decided to throw a huge party to announce his retirement. He invited hundreds of people (including his attorneys) to this gala event. There was wine, food, music, other forms of entertainment, good conversation and, in general, a fine time was had by all who attended. When the party was at its peak, the rich old guy asked the musicians to take a break so he could mount the stage, pick up the microphone and make a few comments. He thanked everybody for coming. He briefly described (with humility) the highlights of the rich, good life with which God had blessed him. He had a wonderful wife, three wonderful daughters, wonderful friends, a wonderful business, and, he had enjoyed excellent health. No man, he said, had been more blessed. The only smudge on his otherwise wonderful life was that...

The Three Men His Daughters

Had Chosen To Marry Were

Crooks, Thieves, And All-Around

Unethical, Dishonest Scum!

He went on and on about this. The partygoers were astonished. They all thought the old man had respected and even loved the three men his daughters had married. How could he be saying these awful things? In public? At an event where everyone was being video taped?

From time to time, individuals in the crowd would sneak a peek at the three young men who were being so unfairly depicted. They seemed remarkably composed, as did their wives, (the old man's daughters) during this tirade.

Anyway, shortly after the old man had had his say, the party seemed to lose its festive atmosphere. All the guests went home... and... no one was surprised when, a few days later, a front page story in the local newspaper... about... how those three, maligned young men were suing the rich old guy for everything he had.