Twain on the nature of Charities
Hey Folks,
I’ve been re-reading Mark Twain’s A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur’s Court and sharing pieces of Twain’s political commentary with you here (this is the 19th entry) .
His insights remain pertinent to this day. We haven’t changed much from Twain’s day – or from King Arthur’s, for that matter.
Chapter 39 – The Yankee is forced to joust with Sir Sagramour Le Deserious who has been festering for years over an imagined insult. The newspaper (another of the Yankee’s innovations) covered the story. In promoting the event it offers commentary upon the nature of “charities” (which also expresses why the Uke Man thinks society as a whole – not charities – should address society’s ills).
The box office will be open at noon of the 13th; admission 3 cents, reserved seats 5; proceeds go to the hospital fund. The royal pair and all the Court will be present. With these exceptions, and the press and the clergy, the free list is strictly suspended. Parties are hereby warned against buying tickets of speculators;they will not be good at the door. Everybody knows and likes The Boss, everybody knows and likes Sir Sag; come, let us give the lads a good send-off. Remember, the proceeds go to a great and free charity, and one whose broad benevolence stretches out its helping hand, warm with the blood of a loving heart, to all that suffer, regardless of race, creed, condition or color – the only charity yet established in the earth which has no politico-religious stop-cock on its compassion, but says Here flows the stream, let all come and drink!
I’ve been re-reading Mark Twain’s A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur’s Court and sharing pieces of Twain’s political commentary with you here (this is the 19th entry) .
His insights remain pertinent to this day. We haven’t changed much from Twain’s day – or from King Arthur’s, for that matter.
Chapter 39 – The Yankee is forced to joust with Sir Sagramour Le Deserious who has been festering for years over an imagined insult. The newspaper (another of the Yankee’s innovations) covered the story. In promoting the event it offers commentary upon the nature of “charities” (which also expresses why the Uke Man thinks society as a whole – not charities – should address society’s ills).
The box office will be open at noon of the 13th; admission 3 cents, reserved seats 5; proceeds go to the hospital fund. The royal pair and all the Court will be present. With these exceptions, and the press and the clergy, the free list is strictly suspended. Parties are hereby warned against buying tickets of speculators;they will not be good at the door. Everybody knows and likes The Boss, everybody knows and likes Sir Sag; come, let us give the lads a good send-off. Remember, the proceeds go to a great and free charity, and one whose broad benevolence stretches out its helping hand, warm with the blood of a loving heart, to all that suffer, regardless of race, creed, condition or color – the only charity yet established in the earth which has no politico-religious stop-cock on its compassion, but says Here flows the stream, let all come and drink!
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home