Well, my Jury Duty is over. One day, that was it. The same thing happened the last time I received a Jury summons. There were 40 cases in the docket yesterday morning. By 4 PM (EST) there were 0. And it turned out that it wasn't Civil Court, it was Criminal Court - that's right, these crimes were about warrants and arrests.
A brief interruption in my exposition for Karma. I was sitting in the Jury Selection room, minding my own business, when I suddenly recognized a woman walking across from me. I worked with her for 5 years at the Carlisle store. She sat down and we talked. We were both selected for the same jury. She no longer works in retail and now turns old pieces of furniture into Martini Bars. Her husband's a retired postal worker. There was a purpose that connection needed to be reestablished so I'm going to say it was Karma.
Anyway, along with 33 other people, we were both chosen to sit through the jury selection process, but there were delays. After standing outside Courtroom 5 for about 10 minutes, they move our group into Courtroom 2, where we waited for about an hour. All they told us was that something blew up in the Pre-Trial arguments. In they end, they moved us back to the selection room where we were told the defendant had decided to 'cop a plea,' (my words, they were more diplomatic). We were told this happens quite often, in fact in 25 of those 40 cases defendants chose to plead guilty rather than let a jury decide. Ten of the cases got a 'continuance' and will go to trial later. Two decided to skip the jury and let the Judge decide guilt or innocence. Out of the 40 cases on the docket, on 3 actually went to trial. There are no other trials scheduled for this week, so I get to go back to work today. Shit.
In regard to the Mueller disappointment, I do believe this decision will work against the Idiot Jerk in the White House. He, and the Republican Party, and the White Evangelicals have already transitioned into "High Hate Mode." Remember Bill Clinton? He beat George H and they went into "High Hate Mode" and as a result he easily won a 2nd term. They are going to take their dicey little knives after everybody. They are going to be out for revenge, and America is going to watch them attack, and attack, and attack. They will try and disenfranchise as many as possible... and fail, they same way they did with Bill Clinton. They are a minority group who are more comfortable in "High Hate Mode." This is what makes them ugly. This is what people will vote against.
Showing posts with label Jury Duty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jury Duty. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Monday, March 25, 2019
Blue
It's Monday. My stint on Jury Duty begins this morning. Will it be a long week... or short. The last time I was there for only one day. Everything depends upon the number of Civil Court cases pending for this week. I have a funny feeling I will be going back tomorrow to sit and wait in the 'jury selection room.' The last time all I had was my phone and I'm not one of those who enjoys reading articles on a tiny screen. Today "The Body in the Tower" is going with me... and a highlighter.
And, of course, Mueller dropped the other shoe and the Attorney General appointed by the Idiot Jerk in the White House chose not to tie up the laces. Now, I know there are many who believe collusion was a foregone conclusion. The report apparently states the Idiot Jerk did not actively seek assistance of the Russians even though they were apparently offering help. This does not mean there wasn't an 'unofficial' agreement in place, sort of an 'I'll scrub your back, you scrub mine' sort of acknowledgment going on between the Idiot Jerk and Moscow. He's a business man, remember, and as such has no problem with things being handled 'under the table,' so to speak. He handles everything the way he handles his taxes, from a crooked corner of his life.
The minute Barr released his summary the Idiot Jerk's minions and spawn popped on their little, red hats and started doing the MAGA Dance, as though this is going to change anything. No way. His approval rating isn't going to start climbing the charts. Halfway through his presidency, everybody knows just where the Moral Degenerate, the Idiot Jerk in the White House stands when it comes to racism and white supremacy. People see an ego seething with anger when ever someone else gets the respect he, himself is denied. He is an ugly, fat man deserving nothing, representing his MAGA Party, a group that also deserves nothing... and expects everything. The American voters need to deflate this pompous bag of wind. We need to defeat the Crazy Conservatives who seek to destroy everything normal. Our only option is to vote Blue. Stand up. Be Counted. Let's drive these beasties back under the rocks from which they crawled.
And, of course, Mueller dropped the other shoe and the Attorney General appointed by the Idiot Jerk in the White House chose not to tie up the laces. Now, I know there are many who believe collusion was a foregone conclusion. The report apparently states the Idiot Jerk did not actively seek assistance of the Russians even though they were apparently offering help. This does not mean there wasn't an 'unofficial' agreement in place, sort of an 'I'll scrub your back, you scrub mine' sort of acknowledgment going on between the Idiot Jerk and Moscow. He's a business man, remember, and as such has no problem with things being handled 'under the table,' so to speak. He handles everything the way he handles his taxes, from a crooked corner of his life.
The minute Barr released his summary the Idiot Jerk's minions and spawn popped on their little, red hats and started doing the MAGA Dance, as though this is going to change anything. No way. His approval rating isn't going to start climbing the charts. Halfway through his presidency, everybody knows just where the Moral Degenerate, the Idiot Jerk in the White House stands when it comes to racism and white supremacy. People see an ego seething with anger when ever someone else gets the respect he, himself is denied. He is an ugly, fat man deserving nothing, representing his MAGA Party, a group that also deserves nothing... and expects everything. The American voters need to deflate this pompous bag of wind. We need to defeat the Crazy Conservatives who seek to destroy everything normal. Our only option is to vote Blue. Stand up. Be Counted. Let's drive these beasties back under the rocks from which they crawled.
Sunday, March 24, 2019
Sit on this
Sunday morning. This is the last day of my work week. Tomorrow I start my Jury Duty. I'm so excited... well, that may not be precisely the exact work. I've never actually sat on a jury though I have endured the selection process. A very tedious time was had by all. Evidently there are classes for attorneys which help them profile potential jurors. I learned last time that frowning at the prosecuting attorney pretty much sets your course towards rejection, of course, the opposite is also true. As cynical as I am, I will no doubt grimace several times. This is what happens when you work in retail and constantly deal with customers who just out and out lie.
And I do know about customers. Yesterday I rather robust woman stopped by the flooring desk. She was looking for a specific Dyson, a $700 Dyson, and while we carry that particular vacuum online, it is not in the store. That was not what she wanted to hear. She gave me a salty little sneer and said "Well, I guess I'm going to have to go to Lowes." She thought she was jamming a nasty little barb into my retail heart, having to go to a competitor. She failed. Customers regularly use this threat when they we don't carry what they're looking for... like a purple toilet seat. We usually smile and say "go right ahead."
Now I'm sure the Idiot Jerk in the White House has something like this... though probably in gold. Can't you just picture something all sparkling under his ass?
And I do know about customers. Yesterday I rather robust woman stopped by the flooring desk. She was looking for a specific Dyson, a $700 Dyson, and while we carry that particular vacuum online, it is not in the store. That was not what she wanted to hear. She gave me a salty little sneer and said "Well, I guess I'm going to have to go to Lowes." She thought she was jamming a nasty little barb into my retail heart, having to go to a competitor. She failed. Customers regularly use this threat when they we don't carry what they're looking for... like a purple toilet seat. We usually smile and say "go right ahead."
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| Not in our store |
We may get an inkling or two from the Mueller investigation today. I know some were a little peeved that there were no more forthcoming indictments. Let's be honest here, you can't indict someone for being a dumb fuck, which is the perfect description of not only the Idiot Jerk, but of his spawn as well. They're loud, and they're vulgar, and all of them have an IQ on par with being a cretin. As either Donnie Jr, or Eric a question and their first response is a vacant stare.
The first reader is going to get "The Body in the Tower" today. She will also get a highlighter and an ink pen. Her job is to look for things that don't quite jive in the continuity of the story line, to ensure I haven't strayed into some strange little literary tangent having nothing to do with subject, or where the exposition becomes overtly flowery.
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Okay, who cut the cheese.
Happy Tuesday morning people! Now that yesterday's sleepfest is over, I'm raring to go! Lots of shit planned for for today.
My appointment is set up for my 'consultation' regarding the mole. June 4, is the soonest I can get in. They are not too concerned about it, so neither am I. As time goes on it looks less angry. Still, I will have them remove it just to be on the safe side.
The gent doing my editing is giving me back pages which need correcting. Holy Shit! He is finding so many little... flaws. He doesn't like my use of the word 'and.' I, like it. So, we had a bit of a discussion about my 'style,' and how 'and' helps define my 'style,' and how I like how those three letters join subjects, or phrases, or statements together. Hence, the 'ands' are staying.
And I understand from AM and Bob that the Idiot Jerk put in an appearance at church this past Sunday. That's what? Three times since he's been president? And I'm not counting that time he sat like a grumpy toad at the Bush funeral. You know, when everyone looked at him as though he'd just cut the cheese?
Perhaps he went to church because he needed to take a break from his hate-filled Twitter storm. I found the fact that he brought up the 'dossier' again rather telling. My guess is that something in it must have been verified. Even more telling was Megan McCain calling him pathetic. Maybe she doesn't know that in regards to the Idiot Jerk, 'pathetic' is a minor compliment.
Since they're not going to be doing the 'mole' thing until June, I will be doing my Jury Duty on Monday. The last time I didn't get picked and was only there for one day. Hopefully the same thing will happen again this time. This is Civil, not Criminal. This means someone is suing someone else because they feel they are owed. At least, that's what I think.
My appointment is set up for my 'consultation' regarding the mole. June 4, is the soonest I can get in. They are not too concerned about it, so neither am I. As time goes on it looks less angry. Still, I will have them remove it just to be on the safe side.
The gent doing my editing is giving me back pages which need correcting. Holy Shit! He is finding so many little... flaws. He doesn't like my use of the word 'and.' I, like it. So, we had a bit of a discussion about my 'style,' and how 'and' helps define my 'style,' and how I like how those three letters join subjects, or phrases, or statements together. Hence, the 'ands' are staying.
And I understand from AM and Bob that the Idiot Jerk put in an appearance at church this past Sunday. That's what? Three times since he's been president? And I'm not counting that time he sat like a grumpy toad at the Bush funeral. You know, when everyone looked at him as though he'd just cut the cheese?
Perhaps he went to church because he needed to take a break from his hate-filled Twitter storm. I found the fact that he brought up the 'dossier' again rather telling. My guess is that something in it must have been verified. Even more telling was Megan McCain calling him pathetic. Maybe she doesn't know that in regards to the Idiot Jerk, 'pathetic' is a minor compliment.
Since they're not going to be doing the 'mole' thing until June, I will be doing my Jury Duty on Monday. The last time I didn't get picked and was only there for one day. Hopefully the same thing will happen again this time. This is Civil, not Criminal. This means someone is suing someone else because they feel they are owed. At least, that's what I think.
Monday, March 18, 2019
Shaving it off
I slept late this morning.
And then I went downstairs and did... nothing. This is one of those do nothing days. Later this afternoon I will turn my brisket into something delectable. No, I don't use cabbage with my corned beef.
The report is back on my little mole. They call it a papule. They don't think it's anything I need to worry about, but they want to biopsy it anyway. That's right. They're shaving it off. That's how they put it. When I called to make an appointment to have it shaved off I was told that the request is still pending and they will most likely give me a call tomorrow. I have no doubt that they're going to want to shave it off next week, when I'm supposed to have Jury Duty. Prepping for such an event, I've already sent the Jury Duty contact an email.
Boy, didn't the Idiot Jerk in the White House flip out yesterday over Jeanine Pirro's suspension? He loves his racists, you know? He desperately wants the world to know how much he hates Muslims... unless they happen to be Royal and are very, very wealthy. The New Zealand shooter likes the Idiot Jerk's view of Muslims... though said he's a terrible leader. Isn't it funny how the White House is trying to put as much distance as possible between the Idiot Jerk's comments and what happened in New Zealand, while at the same time defending Pirro's anti-Muslim rant....
My cardio yesterday was super. How good? They look at your average heart rate and give you a recovery time. My recovery time was 22 hours. The stronger your heart gets, the lower your recovery time. That's why it's called Cardio.
And then I went downstairs and did... nothing. This is one of those do nothing days. Later this afternoon I will turn my brisket into something delectable. No, I don't use cabbage with my corned beef.
The report is back on my little mole. They call it a papule. They don't think it's anything I need to worry about, but they want to biopsy it anyway. That's right. They're shaving it off. That's how they put it. When I called to make an appointment to have it shaved off I was told that the request is still pending and they will most likely give me a call tomorrow. I have no doubt that they're going to want to shave it off next week, when I'm supposed to have Jury Duty. Prepping for such an event, I've already sent the Jury Duty contact an email.
Boy, didn't the Idiot Jerk in the White House flip out yesterday over Jeanine Pirro's suspension? He loves his racists, you know? He desperately wants the world to know how much he hates Muslims... unless they happen to be Royal and are very, very wealthy. The New Zealand shooter likes the Idiot Jerk's view of Muslims... though said he's a terrible leader. Isn't it funny how the White House is trying to put as much distance as possible between the Idiot Jerk's comments and what happened in New Zealand, while at the same time defending Pirro's anti-Muslim rant....
My cardio yesterday was super. How good? They look at your average heart rate and give you a recovery time. My recovery time was 22 hours. The stronger your heart gets, the lower your recovery time. That's why it's called Cardio.
Sunday, March 17, 2019
Celebrating your brisket
Sunday morning, and I slept in... even the dogs slept in... until 0600. I do feel rested. Yesterday was hectic at work... lots of customers. My sales were good. One of my customers bought over $8600 in carpet. My numbers are going to be fine for next week. On the way home I stopped off and picked up a ham Stromboli... and ate it... and felt like a bloated cow afterwards.
This morning I'm going to drive to Carlisle to find the parking garage for my jury duty. The last time I got there late and had to park on the street. They don't compensate you for that. This time I'll get there earlier. I'll also be taking the first draft with me and editing that throughout the boring, boring day... unless I get selected.
Quite a few Democrats want to be contenders in the race to evict the Idiot Jerk from the White House... many of them are finding little or no traction, like Amy Klobuchar and Kirsten Gillibrand and Cory Booker. This is Democracy at work. Anybody can run for president. Anyone of them can win the nomination, many will be cut from the venture by public opinion. The only candidate, the one who's still not running, the Republicans fear is Joe Biden. While Joe embodies "Family Values," they will stick with their Moral Degenerate. Think about that. "Family Values." Those 2 words were always burbling out of their lips and now you never hear them. Now it seems all they talk about is immigration, and keeping immigrants out of the country, and bans on Muslims entering the country. They follow a Moral Degenerate who only vaguely denounces white supremacy. By 2045 white people in the United States will only make up 49.7% of the population. The changes in diversity will become much more apparent much, much sooner. This evolutionary process terrifies them. Everything they have been telling themselves about how special they are is... wrong. There's no truth there. And like the truth, they are turning away from their claims of family values in a losing bid to maintain control. Their failure is a guarantee. Now, ain't that tough shit.
And, finally, today is St. Patrick's day. For those who don't know, I am part Irish. That's right. On my mother's side of the family. The Grangers came from Ireland. This means there is some ginger in my jeans... I mean genes. That's right, I like corned beef. You could say that I'm a bit of brisket eater. In fact, I have one soaking right now... brisket that is. Later today I will turn my brisket into something joyous. For those who don't know how, you should really learn how to celebrate your brisket. Let me tell you, it is a wondrous thing!
This morning I'm going to drive to Carlisle to find the parking garage for my jury duty. The last time I got there late and had to park on the street. They don't compensate you for that. This time I'll get there earlier. I'll also be taking the first draft with me and editing that throughout the boring, boring day... unless I get selected.
Quite a few Democrats want to be contenders in the race to evict the Idiot Jerk from the White House... many of them are finding little or no traction, like Amy Klobuchar and Kirsten Gillibrand and Cory Booker. This is Democracy at work. Anybody can run for president. Anyone of them can win the nomination, many will be cut from the venture by public opinion. The only candidate, the one who's still not running, the Republicans fear is Joe Biden. While Joe embodies "Family Values," they will stick with their Moral Degenerate. Think about that. "Family Values." Those 2 words were always burbling out of their lips and now you never hear them. Now it seems all they talk about is immigration, and keeping immigrants out of the country, and bans on Muslims entering the country. They follow a Moral Degenerate who only vaguely denounces white supremacy. By 2045 white people in the United States will only make up 49.7% of the population. The changes in diversity will become much more apparent much, much sooner. This evolutionary process terrifies them. Everything they have been telling themselves about how special they are is... wrong. There's no truth there. And like the truth, they are turning away from their claims of family values in a losing bid to maintain control. Their failure is a guarantee. Now, ain't that tough shit.
And, finally, today is St. Patrick's day. For those who don't know, I am part Irish. That's right. On my mother's side of the family. The Grangers came from Ireland. This means there is some ginger in my jeans... I mean genes. That's right, I like corned beef. You could say that I'm a bit of brisket eater. In fact, I have one soaking right now... brisket that is. Later today I will turn my brisket into something joyous. For those who don't know how, you should really learn how to celebrate your brisket. Let me tell you, it is a wondrous thing!
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Courting the Truth
Well, it's Wednesday morning and I'm sitting here waiting for the snow. Yeah, we're under another winter storm warning with a prediction of 3 - 6 inches (possibly 8) inches... before it turns to ice and then rain. Tomorrow the temps are supposed to be in the mid 40's (F) which means what ever we get today is going to be on the Fast Track for melting. My plan is to go into work for a few hours and then leave early. This storm seems to be moving fast.
I filled out my jury selection questionnaire online. The last time was selected I only had to spend 1 day at the court house, but that was at the end of the month and most cases had already been settled. I went to the Cumberland County website to see what the caseload was like for the week starting March 25 - nothing is listed so far. That doesn't mean there aren't going to be any, just that cases haven't been listed. The average length for one of these trials is about 2 days. They're Civil not Criminal, which means someone feels they are owed.
And, speaking of court cases, I guess everybody has seen that the family of that kid in a MAGA hat who tried to stared down an American Indian is suing the Washington Post for $250 million. They must be taking their cues from the Idiot Jerk in the White House. My guess is they're hoping the Washington Post will settle out of court for a lower, yet still substantial amount. We'll have to wait on this one. Jeff Bezos owns the Washington Post and right now he I suspect he's fairly keen on smacking back and stomping down on Conservative Republicans.
I bought some doggy stairs from Amazon. They were supposed to have been delivered yesterday. There was a slight problem. I should expect delivery today... during a winter storm... right. They're being delivered by the USPS - the last winter storm delayed a delivery by 2 days... my expectations for their arrival today are not that high. Do you know what I mean?
I filled out my jury selection questionnaire online. The last time was selected I only had to spend 1 day at the court house, but that was at the end of the month and most cases had already been settled. I went to the Cumberland County website to see what the caseload was like for the week starting March 25 - nothing is listed so far. That doesn't mean there aren't going to be any, just that cases haven't been listed. The average length for one of these trials is about 2 days. They're Civil not Criminal, which means someone feels they are owed.
And, speaking of court cases, I guess everybody has seen that the family of that kid in a MAGA hat who tried to stared down an American Indian is suing the Washington Post for $250 million. They must be taking their cues from the Idiot Jerk in the White House. My guess is they're hoping the Washington Post will settle out of court for a lower, yet still substantial amount. We'll have to wait on this one. Jeff Bezos owns the Washington Post and right now he I suspect he's fairly keen on smacking back and stomping down on Conservative Republicans.
I bought some doggy stairs from Amazon. They were supposed to have been delivered yesterday. There was a slight problem. I should expect delivery today... during a winter storm... right. They're being delivered by the USPS - the last winter storm delayed a delivery by 2 days... my expectations for their arrival today are not that high. Do you know what I mean?
Saturday, February 16, 2019
Cynic
It's Saturday, February 16, and we have 32 days of winter left... officially. We all know there is no specific second when the weather is going to begin to warm up because Mother Nature isn't that considerate. She's going to do the same thing this year as she does every year, tease the hell out of us.
I'm not going to New Jersey!! I am really so glad! Training is fine, as long as it's within a 20 mile radius. Two and a half hours on the road for a 6 hour training sessions is ridiculous. Add to that the fact we most often try to car pool which means I usually drive... it's the only way to guarantee no one smokes in the car. I simply hate that.
I also got notification yesterday that I'm scheduled for Jury Duty on the March 25. Yippee. I've been to this rodeo before. I didn't get selected then, and probably will not get selected this time, no doubt because this little sign begins to flash over my head in bright, neon red letters: CYNIC That's right, in case you haven't noticed, I'm a bit cynical. I work in retail, remember? Where someone is always trying to get something for free. We see them daily, liars with tempers flaring because they feel they are owed. Oh, and this is for Civil Court, a place where people go, the place where people go to swindle big settlements from insurance companies. Not that the insurance companies shouldn't pay, but sometimes the greedy side of humanity presents its face.
And, since I'm being cynical, how about that Ann Coulter trying to do a little tap dance all over the Idiot Jerk in the White House? "A stupid act designed to please his stupidest voters," is, I believe, what she Tweeted, or something very similar. As expected, the Idiot Jerk shit out a couple of words saying "he didn't know her." Excuse me, but wasn't he happy as a pig in shit when she was singing his praises? Keep in mind, his "stupidest voters" will not remember that far back. And I am in no way defending the Nazi Princess Ann, she's just pissed she is no longer one of his closest advisers. In case you didn't know, instead of the briefings he's supposed to be getting from the CIA, and Homeland Security, and a whole bunch of other security organizations, the Idiot Jerk is relying on the advice from Thimble Nose and Bumble Brain, aka Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh, a political hack and a spineless, political entertainer.
Adding to the irony of that Shit Show in the Rose Garden yesterday was the fact that an American with a gun murdered 5 people in Aurora, Illinois yesterday, before being killed by police.
Anyway, after today I'm off for 3 days. Nice. Not that I have big plans. I'm thinking about making chickpea fritters on Monday. How's that for excitement?
Now, don't that look scrumptious?
I'm not going to New Jersey!! I am really so glad! Training is fine, as long as it's within a 20 mile radius. Two and a half hours on the road for a 6 hour training sessions is ridiculous. Add to that the fact we most often try to car pool which means I usually drive... it's the only way to guarantee no one smokes in the car. I simply hate that.
I also got notification yesterday that I'm scheduled for Jury Duty on the March 25. Yippee. I've been to this rodeo before. I didn't get selected then, and probably will not get selected this time, no doubt because this little sign begins to flash over my head in bright, neon red letters: CYNIC That's right, in case you haven't noticed, I'm a bit cynical. I work in retail, remember? Where someone is always trying to get something for free. We see them daily, liars with tempers flaring because they feel they are owed. Oh, and this is for Civil Court, a place where people go, the place where people go to swindle big settlements from insurance companies. Not that the insurance companies shouldn't pay, but sometimes the greedy side of humanity presents its face.
And, since I'm being cynical, how about that Ann Coulter trying to do a little tap dance all over the Idiot Jerk in the White House? "A stupid act designed to please his stupidest voters," is, I believe, what she Tweeted, or something very similar. As expected, the Idiot Jerk shit out a couple of words saying "he didn't know her." Excuse me, but wasn't he happy as a pig in shit when she was singing his praises? Keep in mind, his "stupidest voters" will not remember that far back. And I am in no way defending the Nazi Princess Ann, she's just pissed she is no longer one of his closest advisers. In case you didn't know, instead of the briefings he's supposed to be getting from the CIA, and Homeland Security, and a whole bunch of other security organizations, the Idiot Jerk is relying on the advice from Thimble Nose and Bumble Brain, aka Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh, a political hack and a spineless, political entertainer.
Adding to the irony of that Shit Show in the Rose Garden yesterday was the fact that an American with a gun murdered 5 people in Aurora, Illinois yesterday, before being killed by police.
Anyway, after today I'm off for 3 days. Nice. Not that I have big plans. I'm thinking about making chickpea fritters on Monday. How's that for excitement?
Now, don't that look scrumptious?
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Jury Duty - my unday in court
I have always wanted to be called for jury duty, so when my summons came from Cumberland County I was more then a little excited. When I told people, I was surprised by those who told me it was going to be boring and how much I'd dislike the experience. There were several who gave me suggestions on how to get out of it. But, being a contrary sort of person, I waited for July 14 with anticipation. It was a learning experience.
My summons was for Civil Court not Criminal Court, so I was going to witness the process of people suing people. Lucky me, I got to be in the jury pool for two different cases. In the first the plaintiff was suing the Williams Grove Speedway - it's expected to last for at least 7 days. I did not get selected, not that I considered this to be a possibility. You see, I wasn't what they were looking for: I don't race motorcycles, or jet skis, or bungi jump, play paint ball or laser tag, or use a zip-line. I am not a thrill seeker, at least not one who fit their criteria. As a result my name was not called and I was excused from that trial. As I left the court room, I looked back and saw that most of the jurors selected were male, and had admitted to participating in the "sports" I tend to avoid. Both the plaintiff's and the defendant's attorneys had loaded the jury with those they felt most likely to give them the verdict they desired. So much for a fair and unbiased jury.
The second case was an even bigger eye opener. Back in 2008 a middle-aged woman drove her van into a "Five Guys" fast food restaurant. A couple, who had been in the establishment at the time, were suing her, the restaurant, and the small shopping center in which it's located. The plaintiff's attorney began questioning us first. Things were going normally until he asked "have any of you been in an automobile accident?" Nine people stood up. The first question he asked to the first woman standing was "did that accident involve any lower back injuries requiring physical therapy?" At which point the judge shut him down abruptly. "I will not have you polluting this juror pool! That is an improper question! You can not pursue this!" So he asked a different question, however he'd already seen which of us reacted and which of us didn't. Not more then 5 minutes later one of the plaintiffs moved in her chair, put her hand on the table and lifted her right side ever so slightly... and winced. And every potential juror saw her do this. I turned to the woman sitting to my left and said "They're going to pick the jury they can manipulate the most." They did, and I was not one of them. This one was mostly women, many of whom had stood when asked if any one of us had been in an automobile accident.
My summons was for Civil Court not Criminal Court, so I was going to witness the process of people suing people. Lucky me, I got to be in the jury pool for two different cases. In the first the plaintiff was suing the Williams Grove Speedway - it's expected to last for at least 7 days. I did not get selected, not that I considered this to be a possibility. You see, I wasn't what they were looking for: I don't race motorcycles, or jet skis, or bungi jump, play paint ball or laser tag, or use a zip-line. I am not a thrill seeker, at least not one who fit their criteria. As a result my name was not called and I was excused from that trial. As I left the court room, I looked back and saw that most of the jurors selected were male, and had admitted to participating in the "sports" I tend to avoid. Both the plaintiff's and the defendant's attorneys had loaded the jury with those they felt most likely to give them the verdict they desired. So much for a fair and unbiased jury.
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| Here are some of the potential jurors |
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| My badge of courage |
While I'm sure my lack of responses to the questions for the first case played a large roll in my not being selected, I think what truly doomed my chances of being a juror was one of my responses on the questionnaire we all had to fill out. They asked for your current position, mine is retail. They asked for your previous position, mine was accounting. That's right, for quite a number of years I was a number's guy, until International Paper chose to make a business decision and send my job to Poland. These cases were all Civil cases. All the plaintiffs were seeking monetary settlement. The last thing any decent attorney wants is a number's guy on the jury. They don't want someone who's going to be saying "Holy Shit! Do you have any idea how much money you're talking about!"
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