Non Profit Profit

Sometimes I forget that the Internet is a fabulous place. Where else can you read about Pakistan's World Cup prospects, hop on over to the UK, and then over to the Star Tribune, all in about 5 minutes?

Speaking of the Star Tribune, they had this little gem nestled in it's electronic cockles. And I was thinking: What if, IF, the Salvation Army stages petty thefts to increase donations? Think about it, they ask someone to rip off a few kettles, and promise to split whatever the take is. Then, the story gets out, and the public, rather than wishing to shove that tiny bell up the nether regions of the ringer so that every time they jump a distinct jingle is heard, prompting any cat within a 500m radius to claw at their bowels to get the bell to shut the hell up, instead smile warmly, pity the poor Salvation Army, and give twice what was reported stolen.

If we do the math (experience tells me that people always believe numbers, and that by "doing the math" you make your hypothesis truth):
$1000 reportedly stolen.
- $500: take of the thief, split with the Salvation Army.
$2000: donations from well meaning but naive public:
Net: $2500.

Not a bad racket, if you think about it.