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THE TALE OF UNGA~UNGA
Once upon a time, there was a Senator who was growing desperate as the election approached. Frankly, he needed more votes in the Northwest Territory. The election grew nigh, and he saw the local Indians as an opportunity waiting to happen. This bold & fearless Senator MADE THINGS HAPPEN! He knew they were not completely dumb, so he came armed with the necessary promises.
As he greeted & shook hands with the Big Chief, Many Feathers, he told the chief that he had a few words that he wished to speak to the whole tribe. Many Feathers seemed delighted, so he gathered the tribe in front of the BIGGIM'TEEPEE. All the Indians sat cross-footed, staring at this large & portly man who came from the GREAT WHITE FATHER.
And so the BIG SENATOR MAN from the GREAT WHITE FATHER began his "good news" speech:
"My dear Indian brothers & sisters, I have come from the GREAT WHITE FATHER with news that will make your lives easier. The winter draws nigh, and after I am reelected, each teepee in this tribe will get six ~ no eight extra logs to heat their shelters for the bitter winter ahead."
The crowd stood up and in unison shouted: "UNGA~UNGA!"
Then Many Feathers made them recline on the hard ground once more....
The Senator looked pleased at their enthusiam, so he threw away his notes, and seemed to speak from his heart when he shouted back at them:
"And not only that! I am prepared, as your future Senator & protector, to give each teepee its own horse & buggy, plus six ~ no eight cans of dried beans, and even some Indian blankets for the coming bitter winter!"
The Indians once again jumped up and chanted as in one voice: "UNGA~UNGA!"
Many Feathers quickly ushered the Senator toward his departing carriange, but as they made their way to the Senator's escape vehicle, the Big Chief said for all the tribe to hear:
"BE CAREFUL BIG SENATOR MAN, AND DO NOT STEP IN THE UNGA~UNGA!"
byron lebeau |
