Could you go against your beliefs for $200?

I just couldn't do it. Boy I sure do wish I could have.

In my old life $200 was no big deal. That would just be a 15 minute trip to Target.
However in this new normal of my life $200 now is a damn big deal for me.
And I could sure use it.
I actually paused for a moment when this offer was made.
The 2 second pause even startled me. But I just couldn't do it.

Joe is a neighbor who we have become good friends with over the last couple of years.
He is a young man who owns an accounting firm.
He called me around 5ish on Friday.
Joe is a big strapping young man who could be Rick younger brother (well more like son) because they both have the same sick sense of humor and a quick retort every time.
I love this kid so I welcomed the call when I saw his name on caller ID.
He asked in his happy tone if I would like to make $200.00

"What are you asking me to do big boy?"

He laughed, "I have a client Peg who needs some people for a commercial they are making. They need people over 55 who don't look old. They seem to have a lot of old looking people.  When he asked me if I knew anyone I thought immediately of you and Rick.

"Oh flattery will get your everywhere Joe. When and where is this?"

"It's in Annandale tomorrow from 10am - 2pm.  They will give you a script to learn so you aren't just talking off the cuff"

"What is the commercial for Joe?"

Joe hesitated and then said, "It's a political commercial."

"Joe, is this for Mitt Romney?"

"Yes", he replied a bit sheepishly.

I paused....I sighed because damn it I could use the $200.

"Joe I just can't do that. I wish to God I could but I just can't. I'm sorry.
I appreciate you asking us and I can even speak for Rick on this one.
I will ask the woman across the street who is over 55 for you if you'd like"

(I did ask Rick after I hung up - he said hell no just like I thought he would)

Joe laughed and told me that he doesn't follow politics but his wife does and said, "Peggy is too open minded to be a Romney supporter. I bet she won't do it"

I laughed and told Joe to thank Nikki for me. That to me was a compliment.

I told him I'd ask Karen across the street and get back to him.
Karen emphatically said a big NO.

So an older retired woman and a woman broke as hell both turned down $200.
I wish I could have brought myself to do it. I hate having principles.

I left Joe with one request, "If you want to pay me $200 for another other type of commercial or for someone who needs health care I'm your gal so please call me!"

Would you take money for something you didn't believe in?