[MR] feasts

[snspies at aol.com]

This discussion of high-table compensation?has been, well, "interesting", to say the least.? One of the points of view that constantly enters the conversation is that we in the Society need to remember to show courtesy and honor and all the medieval attributes we associate with?the upper classes (we really do not even think about?attempting to recreate a simple village in East Upper Downton, do we?).? 
So, my question is this: if recreating the upper Middle Ages is our goal, why is anyone paying for their feast at all?? This was certainly not the practice then.? All those invited to the feast were the guest of the host whether they sat at high table or not.? Kings and queens frequently hosted huge feasts; did they have everyone who attended pay for their dinner?except those who were to sit with them?? (Actually, this might explain a lot of medieval court behavior ...).? If a baron hosted a feast in honor of a visiting king or queen, ditto?? 

(I personally believe that everyone who attends an event (minus the rugrats, of course) should pay for entrance and feast.? Everyone.)

However, this is one of those cases where people are picking and choosing which parts of the supposed behavior and actions of the medieval upper classes they want to recreate.? That is a convenient smokescreen; there are serious modern financial and and especially ethical issues here which people are being asked to accept.? From the outside (because I am unable to "play" as much as I would like), it is?starting to look like that "intriguing" argument that goes "If you disagree with my politics, you must be a traitor to your country."? In this case,?folks?are asking that?the current?financial and ethical?standards we go by in?the SCA in?this kingdom?be changed to suit their personal wishes; this is?dangerously bordering on that "intriguing" argument.? ?

It would be instructive for everyone to sit back a moment and think about the?strength and passion?of the reactions to the original demand posted in The Acorn.? That?should?give a good indication as to?the wisdom of that demand.??

Ingvild Josefsdatter, OL
Nancy Spies??? 
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