I guess this little story is not exactly related to stealing seats but seats are involved.
My father was a district convention coordinator and one duty he had was oveerseeing the guarding of the entrance
to what was called " Administration". Only those who had special permission could enter this area.
Being part of his family we were allowed to enter this " Most Holy". I remember the first time I did so,
I was quite shocked. Unlike the R& F, those allowed in this section had comfy armchairs, bone china tea cups
and access to toilets that were plush and clean, and food that was prepared especially for them.
Those using these facilities were of course the speakers
or visiting " big wigs" from Brooklyn.
From this comfy elevated area you could look out on the R&F walking about in the pouring rain, eating from plastic cups
lining up at the food tents eating from metal trays ( This was when food was provided at assemblies)
Looking back I realise this was one of the experiences that made me question the so called equality of brothers
Talk about differences of treatment. "We are all brothers" I thought to myself,
but just like animal farm, some Brothers are more equal than others.
I saw the smug satisfied look on the faces of those allowed the priviledge of using these facilites and actually made me
quite angry.
Needless to say I never wanted to enter that " administration" section again.
But it is true you can see such kind of "me first" attitudes
among witnesses when it comes to seat saving.