this page intentionally left blank

"Light travels faster than sound, That is why some people seem bright until you hear them speak." I had a jury summons to serve yesterday morning. Everything seemed to be going smoothly and I was playing the odds until the plaintiff's attorney mentioned the case was going to last three weeks. There was no passing of time from the breath carrying those words to the hands across the room shooting into the air... not any on a measurable scale anyway. Everyone had an excuse. Everyone had an invalid relative or small children they were the sole care giver for that they apparently didn't have when filling out the exemption form before being assigned to a panel and court. Everyone was ill... shingles, lupus, arthritis... you name it. Ebola. Everyone had surgery pre-op scheduled or plane tickets already purchased. Everyone pleaded the financial impact and it's debilitating reality if they were subjected to 3 weeks of trial. Everyone demonstrated the essence of their personality in that instant. It was sick poetry. I could have painted a masterpiece reflecting on that courtroom scene using only black, brown, and crimson oils. Everyone bubbled up to the level of mediocrity they apparently always dreamed and strived to achieve. It was at this point in the chapter chronicling my day that I decided I must speak. I did... and at length. I expressed my opinions surrounding the circumstance of the trial without regard to whom I offended or pleased. It goes without saying that I was stricken from the panel. I made a mental note however, that the majority of the people selected as jurors were those that tried to "fly under the radar". Be strong and stand by what you believe. Let it be known. Don't be a sheep.