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Topic: Bullies (08/09/04)
TITLE: The Winds of Change By Gary Sims 08/15/04 |
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“Amy? Do you have a moment? I would like to speak to you.”
Amy turned and saw Esther Harangues walking briskly towards her. The Harangues were one of the first families to settle in Fumicville and had exercised their influence within the village for several generations. Amy had served on a couple of committees with Esther and found her to be a pleasant woman, in most instances, but she could turn very strict and demanding when it came to issues of preserving the village’s heritage and traditions.
“Amy. I am so glad to find you before you returned home. We have a serious problem to address.”
Amy took a deep breath and then turned to greet Esther with as much warmth as she could muster. “Esther. I am happy to see you this fine morning. How may I help you?”
“It’s your music.”
“My music? You mean the music in our celebration this morning?”
“Do you realize how loud it was? We could hear it in Harangues Music Hall. It interrupted The Celebration. No one could concentrate on The Reading because it was so loud.”
Amy cleared her throat as she prepared herself to address the music issue for the umpteenth time since she had started the praise celebrations. “Esther, I know it was a little loud this morning but it was because we had so many people in the hall that we had to open all the doors to fit everyone.”
“The Preservationist Committee has made it quite clear that nothing from your little parties is supposed to interfere with The Celebration in Harangues Hall. We have tried working with you but this cannot continue. That music is a travesty to our village’s traditions.”
“Please, Esther, don’t you see how important these celebrations are to our people. We had thirty people in Dedication at the end of the celebration today.”
“Well, this fad-music just can’t be allowed to continue. It is a travesty. You don’t even use any of the old prayers or creeds in your get-togethers. How can people come to know what is truly important about Fumicville if they are never exposed to the traditions that we hold so dear. Did you know that my great grandfather, Hubidoor Harangues, was the first Fumic to insist that The Celebration should always include the “March to Greatness Chorus?”
“Yes, I knew that Esther, but…”
“That is why the Great Music Hall bears his name. It is a tradition that all Fumics should continue to uphold. When was the last time you sang The Chorus at one of your gatherings?”
Amy looked down, knowing that she would not be able to change Esther’s stance or attitude. “Well, we have never sung that song but…”
“NEVER! How dare you! This sacrilegious collection of misfits you call a celebration will end today.”
“But Esther, what did the Fumics sing before the March to Greatness Chorus?”
“What do you mean before?”
“In the celebrations before Hubidoor…”
“That’s Master Hubidoor to you.”
“Master Hubidoor…sorry, what was sung before MASTER Hubidooor made his great suggestion?”
“I don’t know. Probably some meaningless drivel. What do I care?”
“Don’t you see? Your great grandfather created change. He brought new music that created meaning for generations of Fumics. He was a visionary.”
“He certainly was,” Esther puffed.
“We have some great musicians in our celebrations and I think that some of them are as visionary as Master Hubidoor. I think some of this praise music we are singing will be around for generations to come and we will have new music halls built in their names.”
“That’s preposterous! Well I can see that I am wasting my time with you. I am going to talk to the Grand Council and end this absurd movement you have started. I’ll teach you to make a mockery of the Harangues great name.”
With that Esther stormed across the hall. Amy sighed and then lifted her eyes in prayer. “Please, Lord, help us to find peace in your village this day.”