While there are some people in the world who take this opportunity to lord it over those they consider their social inferiors, I don't look at tipping as an "act of charity," and I don't tip because I feel sorry for the waiter who's making less than minimum wage.

I tip because that is the prevalent business model in this country's restaurant industry. I accept that service is not included in the menu price of a meal and just factor that into the total cost of dining out. I'm fortunate in that, if the service is really bad, I have discretion over whether or how much I choose to pay for it (just like if I received bad food I would ask that the cost of that dish be removed from the check), but I can only think of a couple of very egregious occasions where I've exercised that discretion.

If I disliked or disagreed with that business model, I'd exercise my right as a consumer to seek out places that include the cost of service in the overall price of a meal out. And if there are no such establishments, then I'd either stop eating out or suck it up and participate.

But I sure as hell wouldn't take it out on the waitstaff.