----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mark K LaCour" <lacour1@...>
>If a philanthropist pays $80,000 for your college education
> on the condition that you graduate from high school

Come to think of it, what's the difference between this and an employer who 
pays me $___________ on the condition that I accomplish a job?  My employer 
is gracious?  If I do my work, he *owes* me.  That's not grace.  That's 
justice.  If I graduate from high school, the philanthropist *owes* me. 
That's not grace.  That's justice.

We need not confuse condescension with grace.  Just as the philanthropist 
doesn't have to make the offer (his condescension or generosity), my 
employer doesn't have to hire me (his condescension or generosity).

Chad Bresson
Xenia, OH