Rebuttal: 800 Words, He Wrote 800 Words!

Editor’s Note: While campaign-style banter and playful rivalry have become part of the annual Dueling Disco tradition, readers should remember the event is ultimately about supporting the Hike Kidz Foundation and helping local children and families in need. The friendly competition between participants is intended to bring energy, laughter and community involvement to a fundraiser that provides real support throughout Warren County. At the end of the day, it is all in good fun for a good cause.

I would like to thank Lewie for his thoughtful response, which I read SEVERAL times, mostly because it took several times to get through all the ways he claimed not to be upset.

For someone who was absolutely, positively, definitely not bothered about not being asked to help, he devoted enough words to the subject to qualify for a minor dissertation.

I particularly appreciated the image of him standing outside Mac’s Roller Rink in a leisure suit. That explains a lot. Most people, when they aren’t upset, simply continue with their day. Lewie apparently created an entire emotional support backstory, complete with a wardrobe. (Was it a tan suit, though?)

As for comparing Dueling Disco to NASA, I stand corrected. NASA has teams of highly trained professionals, years of preparation, and billions of dollars in funding.

The Dueling Disco committee has me asking questions like, “Do we have enough raffle tickets?” and “Who unplugged the disco ball?”

Frankly, NASA has it easier.

I was also unaware that Lewie felt overlooked as a volunteer. Had I known he possessed not only arms but “big, strong hands,” I would have immediately found a task requiring at least moderate gripping.

Perhaps next year we can establish a special position for him: Director of  Chair to Table Oversight and Disco Compliance.

Responsibilities would include: (but certainly would not be limited to:)

• Monitoring suspicious levels of fun.
• Conducting safety inspections of sequins.
• Investigating allegations of unauthorized boogieing.
• Auditing the Dance Hero Leaderboard for election integrity.

I have every confidence he would approach these duties with the same seriousness he brings to all matters involving leisure activities.

In all seriousness, though, Lewie is right about one thing.

The real reason for this event isn’t the music, the dancing, the prizes, the disco ball, or the opportunity to watch grown adults make decisions their knees will regret on Sunday morning.

It’s about helping local families.

The Hike Kidz Foundation, Cars Changing Lives, Jean’s Jewelers, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters are making a real difference in people’s lives, and that’s what matters most.

That said, if anyone notices Lewie standing near the dance floor with his arms folded, one foot keeping perfect rhythm, and a look of deep professional concern on his face, please understand that he is not dancing.

He is conducting an independent investigation into disco-related activities.

For the children.

Obviously.

Sue Laurence
Front Royal, VA

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