OBAMA, ABESS AND REDISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH

CNN:

More than two dozen guests joined first lady Michelle Obama at the president's speech to a joint session of Congress Tuesday night.
Leonard Abess Jr. was recognized by President Obama during Tuesday's State of the Nation speech.

Leonard Abess Jr. was recognized by President Obama during Tuesday's State of the Nation speech.

One person on the first lady's guest list was Leonard Abess Jr., a Miami banker who received a $60 million bonus from the proceeds from the sale of shares of City National Bank in Florida and gave it out to his 399 workers and 72 former workers.

During his speech, President Obama said Abess didn't tell anyone about his generosity, but when the local newspaper found out, Abess simply said, "I knew some of these people since I was 7 years old. I didn't feel right getting the money myself."

Abess demonstrates the kind of "responsibility" the president has called for from high-profile financial CEOs, the White House said.

Obama contrasted Abess' story with the greed that he said got the country into the problems it faces now.

WHAT ABESS DID WAS ADMIRABLE. BUT ONLY BECAUSE IT WAS VOLUNTARY.

• OBAMA WOULD LIKE ALL WEALTHY PEOPLE TO GIVE AWAY ALL THEIR MONEY.
• AND HE'D REALLY REALLY LIKE TO USE THE COERCIVE POWER OF THE STATE TO FORCE THEM TO.
• IT'S CALLED REDISTRIBUTION.
• AND OBAMA IS TRYING TO DO JUST THAT.
• SEE BELOW.