Los Angeles, California –So inspired by the “Occupy Wall Street” movement’s democratic “People’s Mic” way of communicating, by having a group of people repeat what a speaker is saying, because the New York Police Department prohibited the use of bullhorns or electronic public address system in Zuccotti Park. President Barack Obama decided to try it out himself.
After briefly explaining to the posh, well-to-do businessmen and celebrities in attendance at his campaign fundraising gala what the “People Mic” phenomena is all about and how it works, President Obama began his address.
“Mic Check!” said the president, standing at a podium without a microphone attached.
“MIC CHECK!” echoed back the audience (or People’s Mic), with the sole exception of a row of tables way in the back.
Obama again called out, “Mic Check!”
Again everyone in the audience, except for the row of tables in the back, repeated after the president, “MIC CHECK!”
“Now can I get a ‘People’s Mic Check’ just from the folks in the back?” asked an impatient Obama.
Again the president could hear from everyone in the audience, except for the row of tables in the back, as the People’s Mic repeated, “NOW CAN I GET A ‘PEOPLE’S MIC CHECK’ JUST FROM THE FOLKS IN THE BACK?”
“No, no,” said the president, scolding the People’s Mic. “I just want to hear from the people in the back now.”
“NO, NO,” echoed the People’s Mic. “I JUST WANT TO HEAR FROM THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK NOW.”
Obama grimaced at the People’s Mic, giving them the cut it gesture. Rapidly waving his hand across his throat.
Finally, someone from the back row of dinning tables stood up and spoke out.
“Are you addressing us?” asked a man in the back.
“Yeah,” responded the president as he paused a moment to stare down the People’s Mic, making sure it was turned off.
“That’s right,” continued Obama. “You people in the back sitting at the $1,000-a-plate cheep seat section. You’ll have to speak up, because I can hear the $7,500-a- plate section just fine. But not you guys.”
Then a man in the front row stood up and asked Obama, “What about us?”
“WHAT ABOUT US?” the People’s Mic repeated, uncertain if they spoke out of turn.
“Don’t worry,” replied the president, giving a thumbs up to the People’s Mic to be turned back on. “You folks in the $38,500-a-plate section are coming in loud and clear.”
“DON’T WORRY,” echoed the People’s Mic. “YOU FOLKS IN THE $38,500-A-PLATE SECTION ARE COMING IN LOUD AND CLEAR.”
Copyright © 2008-2011 by Robert W. Armijo. All rights reserved.
