That conversation is very telling. It really shows the disconnect between those of us out here in the grind of life, and those higher ups in Bethel who don't have to face that grind. However, they may see the very real possibility coming, of having to deal with that 9-5 grind if the organization keeps bleeding their own. Till the day I die, I'll never forget looking at the heavyweight from Bethel telling us we were all culpable if we didn't review the qualifications of an elder who's kids are going to college. I'll never forget it, never. The worst part of it all is that it hit me while looking at the fat mooching slob on the stage threatening us, was that this guy's entire lifestyle is supported by the contributions of working people.
He reminded me of an person I used to work with. The guy's name was Norman, but he went by the shortened version, Norm. He was so much of a weirdo and a freak, that we called him, Ab-Norm. Everybody at this plant absolutely detested this guy. He was physically weak and always needed a hand lifting things, because we only had so many overhead pneumatic pullies at the place. So if the pullies were all tied up, he'd come begging one of us to help him lift something. The guy was also an idiot, and the funny thing I've noticed about idiots is that they all do their best to not come off like idiots. Yet, they all fail miserably, and this jackass was no exception. Always telling us his about his previous jobs, and how we shoud do our jobs this way or that way. Eventually he was so ostrasized from everyone else at the shop, that he had to get another job. Prior to that, the supervisors were encouraging him to go on the night shift so that that they could limit his time in making potential enemies, especially because they didn't have a legitimate reason to fire him or lay him off. The last I heard, he found a job at a competing shop, and from what I understand, they all hate him there too. Freak.
But I tell you, Ab-Norm reminded me so much of the heavyweight threatening us at the school. The same smarmy attitude, yet completely oblivious to other's perception of him. Ya know, I hope the conversation you had with that COBOE is a fitting discription of many other elders and servants throughout this organization. I spoke with my father by phone not that long after the school, and asked for his thoughts regarding higher education. He told me he's perplexed by it, as he can't see where they're coming from. It doesn't make any sense to him. One thing he said stood out to me though, as he relayed to me that he would not sit on some commitee or in some meeting judging a brother's qualifications to still serve if his children were pursuing higher education. I thought it was very telling, and I wonder how many other brothers would refuse to get involved with something like that. I know I wouldn't.