ORDER ONLY: Private Message to Tonks and Lee

[alt_alice]

Frank and I have been chatting about the shape of things over the last few weeks (Charlie too -- he's been such a help), and we came up with an idea that's certainly worth trying for, and I'd like your assistance and input.

You recall Margery Birdwhistle, the former Minister? I'd like to see if we can't get her out of the camps and put her on the radio.

I think it would be a good move on a few different fronts to give a greater voice to people who would be widely recognised among Muggles as legitimate spokespeople, and from what Frank's told me, she seems like she'd be a natural. Someone the Muggles in the camps could potentially rally around. It also couldn't hurt if our Wizard listeners get exposed to Muggles who are in positions of leadership. She certainly doesn't have to be the only voice by far, but her visibility might facilitate other leaders to speak up, and it'd be nice to have someone to balance Sirius out a bit. Her history in government could be enormously useful as we move forward as well.

I realise Ms Birdwhistle may not be overly eager to take advantage of this opportunity, or leave her community. Furthermore, even if a position of greater visibility isn't daunting, she may be very skeptical about our motives, and I can see how she'd be concerned at our possibly using her for our own purposes, or editing her in some way. She will most likely need some convincing.

I'd want us to run this past Aldrich as well, as we'd want their support and permission.

Lee, I'd like you to pair up with Tonks on this one, as you've worked in Aldrich extensively. Tonks will take point on this, and you'll follow her lead. Would this be something you'd both be willing to do? Do you have any thoughts or concerns?

Comments

[alt_lee]

Me?

Thanks. Talking to Aldrich, sure. If you think I'm ready for the rest. I mean

I was going to go by Aldrich in the morning. I can see then what they think.

Just that we'd want them to find her a place, and that she'd have some skills, right? Do we know what she could help with there, besides the radio? They're real clear on everyone there having a job, and contributing.

[alt_nymphadora]

Count on me. Lee: what do you think about the folks at Aldrich? Are they likely to need much convincing on this?

I've no idea whether many Muggles outside Doncaster camp will remember Margery Birdwhistle. I mean to say, everyone in her camp calls her The Minister, but I think Doncaster's one of those places where nearly everyone there used to live in that same area before they were herded in there. So they all knew her and probably voted for her. Or didn't. You know, she'd lost her place in the Parliament before the war. That's how she was overlooked when Voldemort murdered all the Muggle leaders. She wasn't one anymore. But she's such a natural, I think everyone just fell in behind her lead, and they all think her word is their instruction.

You might be right that she'll be slow to give that up. Having everyone follow her.

But it won't be because she's afraid. Frank's right she's a tough bird. And I'd put my wager on her thinking this is her duty, and stepping forward to accept whatever needs doing.

Unless she decides we're manipulating her. You're dead right: that's the one thing that could wreck the whole idea.

I wonder if she's heard any of the radio programming they've been putting out. That might help persuade her this is on the up and up.