The least I could do

I remember Jon Stewart commenting on the involvement of the citizenry during the early stages of the 9/11 crisis and the war in Iraq.  He observed that people were doing as little as possible, perhaps flying a flag or chanting USA at rallies but little else. He said it as "the least you can do" emphasis on the least.

This past week, with the luxury of time, I decided to do my civic duty so I , drove people to the polls on Tuesday, every vote counts, and on Friday I was summoned to Jury duty.

 I woke bright and early put on my former principal clothes, save the tie and went to the Stamford Courthouse. Some things have changed and mostly for the better. The new facility has comfortable chairs, a small library with couches, a wide screen TV, coffee, vending machines and a cafe. Eight years ago when I was called to serve it was in the old court house complete with a basement waiting room, 2 folding tables, and folding chairs. This lifeless space was right out of Night Court or Barney Miller and it made the long day even longer.

What hasn't changed is the woman who for the next 8 hours would control my fate. Barbara, no last name, was in charge then and now. She rules the room with a no nonsense approach but with humor and in a constant state of motion. "Watch this video, did you sign in, come back in ten minutes, the following people please come to the desk".

After the video, 9:15 the waiting began. Approximately 70 people were called to serve and for the first 30 minutes you could hear a pin drop as we settled in on a potentially long day. Around 10:30 names were called, not mine as I hoped to be called for the disposition by attorneys, their is a french word for this but I can't spell it and every time it was mentioned, all I can think of My Cousin Vinny and Joe Pesce's pronunciation of the term. The first group called and DISMISSED! What? How did that happen?
Well back to my book. Currently I am reading a book about WWII pilots captured and spending time in a parishioner of war camp. I couldn't help but see the correlation between my fate and the sailors. Every time names were called I wondered, just like the prisoners, would I be going, on to the questioning or left to stew in my own seat. The hours ticked by, more names were called and the ranks thinned out yet again but not for me. Now it is 12:00 and Barbara is trying to find out what was going on. Despite her ability to command he room there are those above her who have more control over her and me and all those left in the jury waiting room. They weren't talking.

Finally the word came down at 1:05, there was a reprieve, we were free to go and the best part is that we could not be called back for 3 years, after all it is the least we can do.