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Episode 11 Part 3
Tshombe and Jose stand in front of City Councilwoman JANET TUCKER. Janet reads over the file. JANET: According to our records, we have several complaints. We discussed them at our last meeting. Unfortunately, only Mrs. Vargas showed up from your community. None of the street vendors came. TSHOMBE: We didn't know about the meeting. JANET: It's important to stay informed. TSHOMBE: But how do we find out about these things? JANET: You can find out about issues in your community three ways. One -- by reading the local newspaper. Two -- by watching the local public access TV station. And three -- by calling up City Hall and asking about specific meetings. JOE: Is it too late? What can we do now? JANET: Well, you can present your case and talk about why street vendors are good for the community at the next city council meeting. We will decide about street vendors then. TSHOMBE: When is that? JANET: The day after tomorrow. JOE: That doesn't give us much time. JANET: I must tell you, Mrs. Vargas has hired a very powerful attorney and she also has friends in the community. TSHOMBE: Oh, no. We don't stand a chance. JANET: That's not true. You have power too. If you can get community support for your cause, then you have a chance. JOE: How can we do that? JANET: Well, the best way is to start a petition. Ask registered voters in the community if they will sign a petition in support of street vendors. JOE: Voters. That's a good idea. JANET: You can also talk to the media. JOE: The media? JANET: That's right. An article in the local newspaper about you and the other local street vendors will also help. TSHOMBE: These are all great ideas, but we don't have that much time. JANET: That's true. The best way to win your case is to organize the vendors and be very specific about what you want to change. TSHOMBE: (to himself) Stay organized and be specific. The room is filled with street vendors and other community activists. Tshombe stands in front of the room, unable to get anyone's attention. There is constant talking and general confusion under the following conversations. TSHOMBE: We have to decide something. JOE: I just want to stay on Market Street.. BOB: I have my family to support. MARY: What are we going to do? JOE: You know what we're going to do? We are going to buy Market Street. And after we buy Market Street... SILVIA: Jose, c'mon, be serious. JOE: I am. And let me tell you one thing. The businesses don't like us because they say we take their customers. They went to City Council. They went to the police. BOB: Let's just boycott their stores. VENDOR: But we still won't be on Market Street. Tshombe looks distressed. He knows this is not working. A DEMONIC APPARITION, or mini-Tshombe, pops up on Tshombe's shoulder. He's dressed like the devil. The sounds of the room fade under this Apparition's voice. DEMONIC APPARITION: Man, all these people are stupid. You are wasting your time here. Get out of here and go sell your lemonade somewhere else. A more ANGELIC APPARITION appears on Tshombe's other shoulder. ANGELIC APPARITION: Don't listen to him, Tshombe. He's wrong. DEMONIC APPARITION: You are telling me I'm wrong? (LAUGHS) ANGELIC APPARITION: (to Tshombe) Help your friends, Tshombe. Working together with the other street vendors is the only way you'll win your case. DEMONIC APPARITION: Think about number one, Tshombe. That is you. Forget about all the others. ANGELIC APPARITION: What? You must work together, Tshombe. Listen to each other. Choose the best ideas from the group and organize. DEMONIC APPARITION: Tshombe, you think... Tshombe shoos the Apparitions way. They disappear. Finally Tshombe stands up: TSHOMBE: Be quiet. I have something to say. WIZARD: And freeze!
