Cool or Cruel?

I just read an article about a "pastor" who wrote a note on a receipt that said, "I give God 10%, why should I give you 18%"  The article explained that the pastor was part of a group of 20 people and that the waiter at the restaurant had already added a tip of 18% to the bill with an another line for "additional tip."  The "pastor" then put a 0 in the line for additional tip.

Leading with this caused several different questions to come to mind, made me wonder did we get the whole story?

He added 18%.  In my book if a waiter decides that he/she is going to automatically add the tip, then they add what they get.  If they take the chance and don't add the tip, then usually I am generous.  Do systems now automatically add in a tip with groups over 6 people?  Or did the waiter have the choice to add the tip or not add the tip?

Since when do we automatically add 18%?  Traditionally, 15% was automatically added to large parties, with the notion that if the service was good another 3% was added, if the service was excellent another 5% was added.  Why are we automatically rewarding possible mediocre service with a "good" tip?  If you choose to work for a living as a server, then your tip should reflect your work ethic, if you know you are doing a great job, leave the tip blank.

Since when is a tip ever guaranteed?  TIP - to insure prompt service.  Just like everything else we're guaranteed to win even if we don't put in the work.

Scribbling on receipts has become a trend, where people can still remain anonymous and voice their opinion without any repercussions.  Just like posting comments on the internet.  This pastor probably didn't realize that his scribbled receipt would become a news story.  Makes you wonder if the leading part of the story is that he a pastor that gives 10% to God or that he didn't tip the waiter.

So what are your thoughts?  Should tip be automatically included?  Should it now automatically be 18% when it used to be 15%?  Do you give your 10% to God - do you do it as willingly as you tip the waiter for service?

By the way, another big lesson learned - there's always people watching, whatever you do may end up on the Internet.  Think twice before you react.