They took my pie...

Jimmy loves apples and loves apple pies.  So, when he was a young man, he planted several apple trees.  For years he cared for those trees until they were able to bear fruit.  When the first few trees produced apples suitable for eating, Jimmy picked several of the apples and took the fruit home.  He peeled and prepared the apples so he could bake a pie.  He prepared the crust, put everything in the pan and baked the pie.  The wonderful aroma filled Jimmy's house and he could barely contain his excitement about eating the pie.  At last the pie was finished.  Jimmy pulled the pie out of the oven and placed it on the kitchen table.  With plates, forks, a knife and tall glasses of milk, Jimmy and his family sat down at the table to enjoy the pie made with apples he grew himself.  He planted those trees almost 20 years ago.  Jimmy was proud of himself and knew the pie would be delicious.  Just as he was about to cut into the pie, several men in dark suits burst into the back door. 

"Just a minute, sir!" 

"What's this?  Who are you and what do you want?" Jimmy demanded.

"We are from the government.  It is our understanding that you have baked a pie.  Is that the pie?"

"Yes, this is the pie.  Who cares about the pie?"

"Your neighbors, sir.  They have watched you grow the trees and smelled the pie cooking.  They want some of the pie.  We are here to collect part of the pie for your neighbors."

"What?  Why don't they bake their own pie?  This is for me and my family."

"We understand that, sir.  But you have to understand that your neighbors want pie, also.  They do not own apple trees and do not know how to cook pie.  But they want some pie and it is your patriotic duty to share that pie with those not as fortunate as you.  You own the apple trees and know how to bake pie." 

"Well, I can sell them some apples and give them a recipe for pie."

"No, sir.  That will not do at all.  They do not have money to buy apples or apple trees.  And why should they bake a pie when you have already done so.  They have a right to enjoy apple pie, just as you do.  We will take half of your pie and distribute it to a few of the neighbors.  Thank you, sir."

And, the men took half of the pie and left the house.  Jimmy was angry and picked some more apples.  He cooked another pie so he and his family could have enough pie to share.  Again, the men showed up and took half of the new pie.  Jimmy baked several more pies, and each time the men came and took half of each pie. 

Finally, Jimmy tired of it all.  He stopped baking pies.  His neighbors were angry because he stopped baking pies.  They threw rocks at his house and cursed his family.  How dare he deprive them of the pie they had become accustomed to receiving?  The neighbors started stealing his apples.  To stop the theft, Jimmy cut down his beloved trees and burned the wood in his back yard.  The men arrived and confiscated his property as a fine for burning without a permit.