Patton Oswalt is known for his style of oddball, alternative comedy. You never seem to know what you're going to get with an Oswalt joke. Accordingly, GQ once described him as "a well-read geek who also happens to know how to make a dirty joke."

One Twitter user learned this first hand when he decided to engage the comedian on Twitter, in response to Oswalt's criticism of US President Trump's call to build a wall.

You like pomes? I like pomes too! Here’s a pome I wroted:<br>ROSES ARE RED<br>TOMMY SHAW WAS IN STYX<br>YOU’RE GOING TO RESIGN<br>EAT A BUCKET OF DICKS <a href="https://t.co/PtfkFoUlIk">https://t.co/PtfkFoUlIk</a> —@pattonoswalt

The Twitter user, Michael Beatty, whose bio states he is a "good Republican" from Alabama, simply wrote, "I just realized why I was so happy you died in Blade Trinity!"

Oswalt decided to respond with, of all things, compassion, and the results have been incredible.

"Aw, man. This dude just attacked me on Twitter and I joked back but then I looked at his timeline and he's in a LOT of trouble health-wise," wrote Oswalt. He followed that up by urging his followers to contribute to Beatty's GoFundMe, called "Help after Sepsis, Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Coma."

Aw, man. This dude just attacked me on Twitter and I joked back but then I looked at his timeline and he’s in a LOT of trouble health-wise. I’d be pissed off too. He’s been dealt some shitty cards — let’s deal him some good ones. Click and donate — just like I’m about to. <a href="https://t.co/6zRdZ430WG">https://t.co/6zRdZ430WG</a> —@pattonoswalt

The GoFundMe page had a goal of $5,000 and, as it turns out, was actually for Beatty's cousin, who, according to the page: spent "two weeks in hospital with Sepsis/DKA and coded twice. Long recovery along with massive medical costs. I have a meager retirement check. I'm a Vietnam veteran."

Within a day the page had raised over $30,000 US, with donors writing that they came to the page because of Oswalt.

"Patton Oswalt is a shining light to us all," wrote one. "I'm glad he shined a little in your direction. A good lesson for you and for all of us."

Beatty followed up his tweet with one saying, "You have humbled me to the point where I can barely compose my words. You have caused me to take pause and reflect on how harmful words from my mouth could result in such an outpouring."

Oswalt followed that up, reminding Beatty that "people like [Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez] are battling so you DON'T have to depend on GoFundMe to live with dignity and vigor."

Whew! Is your cousin the one who had sepsis or was it you? Either way I’m glad the $$$ goal was met. And PLEASE understand that people like <a href="https://twitter.com/AOC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AOC</a> are battling so you DON’T have to depend on GoFundMe to live with dignity and vigor. (And I’m working on getting to Alabama...) <a href="https://t.co/KlphvXn1gE">https://t.co/KlphvXn1gE</a> —@pattonoswalt

For both Beatty and Oswalt, as well as many casual observers and donors, it was the perfect example of finding common ground, even if you don't agree with someone else's political views, and reacting with compassion rather than cynicism.

"We have to snuff out cynicism with ACTION," write Oswalt. "I'm also guilty of cynicism but I'm trying. It's a hard way but it's doable."

Beatty ended his exchange with another word of thanks, to which Oswalt, of course, managed to squeeze in one foul-mouthed joke.

See, THIS is why compassion and forgiveness are the best — wait, you CRIED?!? You fuckin’ pussy! Donation CANCELLED. <a href="https://t.co/NkgNb6tmG5">https://t.co/NkgNb6tmG5</a> —@pattonoswalt

Oswalt also urged his followers to not stop there and to find other worthy GoFundMe campaigns, or to donate to the local food bank. "Something? Anything?" he wrote.