Civic responsibility

For the past two days I served my jury duty summons. I get called every few years and this is the first time I actually had to show up.

As you read, I had to take the bus. I was a commuter for a few days and am ever more grateful for the fact that my normal commute is the twenty feet from my bedroom to my desk in the living room. No worries about traffic or bus delays. The alarm clock is the only thing that stands in my way---that is if I set it for the correct time.

After the adventures of commuting, I reported for my first jury duty experience.

What a boring experience.

The shining spot was the woman who ran the show. She was friendly and informative. More than can be said for most folks in such a thankless role. She works with all of humanity. And beleive me, all of humanity was present in the jury assembly room- my home away from home for two days. Before being selected for a trial you could possibly be called into a jury filter courtroom multiple times.

I guess I was lucky and was only put into one trial and was dismissed following the longest process known to man (in my opinion).

The process to pick a jury is a tedious and arduous one. I do not envy anyone in the judicial system. And mean from the judges to the clerks to the lawyers to the defendants. What a process!

As a new observer, no matter how many times I was told, this is a great system-- the best in the world. I don't beleive it. As a person that has a tendency to do anything in the most efficient manner possible, this system was appaulingly inefficient.

It's a wonder to me that anything is ever decided.

Ever.

After being dismissed I was more than relieved. And now it seems like I have two more years to forgot about the experience and look upon a summons with the exuberance of one fellow juror who said she was honored when it arrived at her home.

As an American, I suppose I should feel that way. I should feel good that things are done in the name of justice. But even with all safe guards, I still have to wonder if the way it's done, is really the best way.

back on a bus.

And after the longest hiatus ever. (sorry my loyal readers, life just got a little busy and I decided to be social instead of blogging when I had a free minute.) I have made notes for the months that have gone by and if motivated (or stuck inside on a rainy day), I may update...we'll see.

Anyway, I am back. And am making my repost with bus adventures. :)
I received a jury summons about a month ago and today was the day. Included with the summons was a bus pass. Now, I took the bus a few times when I first moved to Seattle. Because it's that kind of town. But I quickly learned, I am not really that kind of person. Plus, I can avoid traffic-filled times of day because I don't commute further than the local coffee shop.
So, I was trying to figure out where to park, etc and asked a friend who recently went. Parking in downtown Seattle is pricey, so she suggested the bus. I did a little more research and leanred that I could go directly from the stop a few blocks away right to the front door of the courthouse. Not too bad. (And it would be free!).
So, I checked the schedule, made a plan and headed to the bus stop at 7:15 this morning.
To be honest, I was a little nervous. But I was just a commuter. No big deal.
The bus I needed to take was packed. There was no place to move and I had to stand the whole ride to 3rd and James (25 minutes). And of course, the smelliest dude EVER chose (or was shoved) right into me and just stayed put. Sadly, I could not go anywhere further. Ugh. So I had to stand there and try desperately not to throw up.
I arrived at my destination on time and breathed a huge breath of fresh air before spending most of the sunny day inside a court building. (I'll share more about that another day...)
At day's end, back to bus I went. This time there was space on the bus. I could sit.
There was also space for everyone to have their own row.
But I appartently look warm and inviting, so the sketchiest woman on the bus sat right next to me and started to talk to me. I swear I NEVER made eye contact.
Luckily she got off the bus where the free zone ended and the rest of the commute was weirdo free.
I am impressed by the system here, but still have some reservations. I attract weirdos. Weirdos ride public transit (airplanes included). Typically whenever possible, I avoid putting myself in these situations.
But I report again tomorrow and will do the whole thing once again. We'll see if it gets any better...