I Luv Civic Duty

I have been summoned to report for jury selection on Monday, following a weekend spent watching my dear friend L. finally get hitched in Omaha. I don't have the actual selection card with me today, but as I was perusing it yesterday, I noticed several facts worth noting:

* There is no parking provided in downtown Kansas City, urban boscage devoid of parking lots.

* You may bring your own food. Gee, thanks.

* This taken from the 16th circuit Web site: Federal and Missouri laws prohibit an employer from penalizing you while performing jury service. However, the laws do not require your employer to pay you wages while you are on jury duty.

Oh, and there's more. If you're interested, read all about it.

So why am I not thrilled with my opportunity to perform my civic duty? How could I not be excited after learning I will have to truck my business-casual rear downtown to sit all day, mentally counting the e-mails racking up in my in-box after missing two days of work while some attorney decides if I look malleable? Can't imagine why.

I like court television. I even like CSI, though I don't often admit to watching it. Somehow, though, I doubt I have been selected for a murder or arson case. No, I will probable get to try someone who had too many speeding tickets or didn't pay his plumber. Or maybe They (whoever "They" are) will decide I look a little bit too dumb, too smart, too happy, too sad, too blonde, too young, too old, too rich or too poor. That's the glory of our criminal justice system: it's completely random. Long live America!