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 Before Herb Collins retired, he owned a pawn shop
up in the city. A successful pawn shop. And one of the ways he likes
to repay society for his good fortune is to speak to the fifth
graders at our local elementary school during Career Week.
And that’s why he was here again this year, attempting to
springboard any number of ten-year-olds into the glories of buying
low and selling high.
But this year there was a difference. Some of the kids were looking
over at Jimmy Thomas and Elise Jamison and couldn’t control their
giggles. Jimmy and Elise, however, tried to look very sober and
businesslike.
When Herb got close to the end of his time in front of the class, he
asked, as he does each year, if there were any questions.
Jimmy and Elise raised their hands. Herb pointed to Elise.
“Mr. Collins,” she said, “in these days of insecurity in the market
place, how would the use of debentures stack up as an alternative to
trade?”
Herb stammered. “Well, I’m not real sure about that, young lady.
I’ll have to get back to you on that.” [to top of second
column] |
He saw Jimmy’s hand in the air.
“Yes,” he said, pointing at him.
“Mr. Collins,” Jimmy said, “wouldn’t the use of unsecured bonds be
counterintuitive to the agreement we currently share with other
members of the World Bank?”
“Uh …”
Herb looked at his watch and excused himself to keep an appointment
he didn’t realize he had until he needed it.
The kids cracked up. So did the teacher. “Okay,” she said, “good job
you two. How did you guys come to ask those questions?”
“Doc wrote ‘em down for us,” Jimmy said.
[Text from file received from
Slim Randles]
Brought to
you by Home Country (the book), published by Rio Grande Press.
www.riograndepress.com.
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