A reader gets a phone call asking for Morris Dees

This comment is just too good to hide in the comments section:

Roger McCredie said...

Yesterday the phone rang at the Southern Legal Resource Center and it was a sweet young thing who introduced herself as clerk for a circuit judge in Florida who is apparently the head of the local bar association.

"Can you conect me with your speakers' bureau?" She said. "Im trying to reach Mr. Dees ... "

"Do tell," I said. Then, because she sounded cute and innocent, I took pity on her confusion. "Mr. Dees is head of the Southern Poverty Law Center," I said. "You've reached the Southern Legal Resource Center, which is pretty much at the opposite end of the political spetrum from those other folks. Nevertheless," I added, "we've got a speaker's bureau, too, and we'd love to come talk to your Bar Association. We could even talk about the SPLC."

"Ooh, I'm sorry," said the Sweet Young Thing. "Well,um, difference of opinion is a healthy thing, isn't it? I mean ... um ... you wouldn't happen to know their number, would you?"

"As a matter of fact, I've got it right here," I said. I gave it to her. "Don't count on finding Mr. Dees in the office this afternoon, though, " I said. "He's probably either playing golf or out on his yacht, the Poverty Princess. You need to ask for Ms. Hedi Beirich. B-e-i-r-i-c-h. She'll be glad to help you."

"Ooh, thanks, you're the best," said SYT.

"Not at all," I said. "Just tell Ms. Beirich you talked to me, and that the SLRC will expect a cut of Mr. Dees' substantial speaker honoriarium. Will you be sure and do that?"

"I sure will," she said.

As Dave Barry would say, I am not making this up.

Roger McCredie