I was off to a dinner, honoring an elderly friend who had just published a book. There were ten of us and I the only one who was poor. You would see nothing odd about the other nine except for a couple of pony tails and the fact that they were bragging to each other about their massive, government-funded charitable deeds. You may know that people of faith are not allowed to brag about such things. Their big Book says to do charity in secret.
Our host wanted us to know each other so the table orbited a while with stories of prowess, accomplishment and career. Ears and eyes at last fell on me and I was asked to spill my own. The host prodded with several hints and so I spoke up. You know me: inventions, books and a craving to know things that I am not supposed to. I quoted Stephen Hawking's mother, "There are some things you have to know before you can't, you know."
I had the rich eating out of my expository hands as I pontificated on my concerns about people who are needlessly maligned.
They nodded approvingly in agreement with such fine and noble social interests.
Chat soon diverted to, "How about getting together for a little gettogether to share skills? Let's do it on December 10."
"Can't," said I. "I'll be in Coeur d'Alene to see Sarah Palin at a book signing."
There was startled silence and big sad eyes staring at me. One chin started to quiver. The room grew cold and even the waiter stopped in his purposeful pace to turn back to the kitchen without offering a big tray of rich and famous deserts.
The more I think about these things, the more I laugh. I know my friends will have me back. They need someone to tell about their lives of service.
So anyhow, I have one free space in my pickup leaving December 9. Know anyone with courage enough to see the much maligned Sarah Palin?
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