Civic Responsibility

I've realized the reason we all hate the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles)...that's how you get chosen for jury duty.  Yep, thanks to my birthday gift and the need for tags and registration,  the DMV used my information to enter me into the jury pool  -- more chances to win than the lottery and a host of unhappy people to spend the day with -- and I won!
What did I win, you ask.  I won the opportunity to sit in a plush lounge in PG County for nearly the entire day until assigned to be selected for a case.  Bored to tears and feverishly trying to find some reason, any reason, why I'd be partial to the defendants, I failed at every turn and was selected for the jury.  I notified my employer and settled in for a long second day of what was sure to be much less exciting than the OJ trial.  After instructions from a studious bailiff and a very amicable judge, I listened to opening statements and a few witnesses before the case was dismissed and I was relieved of my duties.
Fortunately, I made new friends along the way.  We shared information on a number of topics, a meal, a couple of rides, exchanged phone/email/social networking information, and even hoped we'd be called back in 3 years to meet again.  How optimistic we are!
This puts in perspective another civic duty that will occur in just a few weeks.  I've stated repeatedly that your choice in candidate's is as personal as the nose on your face, but please exercise your right to vote.  After receiving my elections booklet, I'm taking the time to research the candidates running for other offices in my state and county in an effort to decide who I prefer to select and I strongly suggest you do the same.  I'm never one to force my beliefs on others (though I feel that anyone over 65 should no longer remain in office) but strongly encourage you to do your own research -- don't rely on TV commercials and campaign slogans, billboards and discussions around the water coolers of corporate America, sound bites on the news and signs in yards, bumper stickers and the opions of others -- but use your common sense and weigh your values.  This is your opportunity to do more than just talk. Your vote does count, so use it.
After a long day in the courtroom, I feel more strongly about it than ever.  Until next time...