Wednesday, May 25, 2011

RP7


Service [sur-vis] noun 1. an act of helpful activity.

This is what my letter had asked of me. Other than voting, many Americans do not have interaction with the greater structures of government. I was excited to show up Monday morning at 9, so I arrived a full half hour early. There were 32 in our Jury pool. We watched a video explaining Judicial divisions and simple expectations of us.

We headed across the street to the Historic Old Courthouse of Hillsborough, and were escorted upstairs to a grand well aged courtroom. 12 jurists were selected at random by the clerk from a stack of cards on her desk. So began the 3.5 hour selection process. I was the second to last person to be selected. The defense attorney made only on inquiry to me. "Mr. Hill how do you keep yourself looking so young? I began writing down student before I heard you say you worked at UNC for 18 years and had an 18 yr. old." I told him "exercise, a well balanced diet and lowering stress." With that I was in and we went to lunch.

This was not a headline news case. There were no paparazzi awaiting us outside, no hordes of reporters at the steps or even thoughts of a book deal about my experiences. (Now that I think of it.) I had become Reasonable person #7. RP7 was to be clear of judgment and analytical of facts.
This was like high school drama, awkward at best. I hoped RP7 would be clear of me. At the end of day 1 the Plaintiffs side had rested it's case. Several instructions on communication about the case from the judge we were released for the night.

We meet at the Jury room in the new courthouse and then escorted back to the Old courthouse. The Judge gave us some instructions about what today would hold on allowed the case to continue. The defense stood up and made it clear to the court they were not providing any evidence. On to closing arguments. After closing arguments the judge read us the law in which we were to answer our 2 questions on. Queation1: By the greater weight of the evidence to you the jury find blah-law-blah-law...Yes/ No. Question 2: If answer to Q1 was yes then the amount of $____.00 shall be paid to the plaintiff. The law read for 3 pages and seemed reasonable to understand.

12 random people, 2 questions, one a check box and the other a $ amount. We deliberated for 5.5 hours before returning a verdict.

My RP7 experience allowed me to realize how much I truly do value my fellow human. I am no different from you, you or you over there. I gives me hope that 12 RP can come to a consensus even if it meant bending far from ourselves to do so. I also learned that we as a people will meet the challenges ahead of us. Debate, listen ,construct and engagement are the foundry of our society. Truth and evil are a personal involvement whereas it is human to respect.

I have a more significant resolve that I live in one of the greatest countries to date. Our government has continuously evolved allowing more acceptance and respect to be freely shared equally among those who live here. It is service that renders me into the greater US.

Peace and many thanks, Harold

Sunday, March 6, 2011

A trial at Umstead

Opening statements:

"How to you plea Mr. Hill?", "I'm glad to have friends and good weather. I am looking forward to an enjoyable sub 4 hr. tour on such a great course."The Umstead Marathon claims Mr. Hill will have to conquer more than 26.2 miles today. We provide evidence that will justify DNF!"

Evidence:

Umstead: Mr. Hill ran a 10.4 mile commute to work on Monday 2.28.11!
Harold: Yes sir Umstead.
Umstead: He also had hopes of a sub 4 hr time which he has never done anywhere!
Harold: Yes Umstead this is also true.
Umstead: At mile 19 my many hills and warm weather made your legs cramp and your stomach churn did it not?
Harold: Yes Umstead this is also a fact.
Umstead: When you came to the red dress AS soon after you admit to taking 2 e-caps and a coke?
Harold: Yes I consumed e-caps and a coke there.
Umstead: Let it be shown that Mr. Hill has never before used E-caps before and was now nearing and end; True Mr. Hill?
Harold: Yes this is also true.
Umstead: Mr. Hill, Cedar Ridge lay in front of you and you left your drink pack and took no food to consume before entering my Wheels Came Off section.
Harold: Yes Umstead.
Umstead: As a hard course I saved the best for last. You nearly threw up 3 times on the way down, you could not walk a straight line, your vision was now blurred with Hallucinations, I send you many people who where worried about your condition. You took drink from strangers and friends alike. You lay along the side of the trail wasted, hallucinating and morally beat from my sheer superiority. This is defeat!
Harold: Yes Umstead you saved the best for last and you can give challenge to anyone who temps your trails, however in may defense: Cramps, wobbles, hallucinations and hard terrain do not=DNF. You sent friends who gave me support, liquid, encouragement and strength. Trail love is powerful. Being tested in endurance events leads to comprises. Time was your weakness Umstead and this is where I attacked you. Slow and rest aloud me the confidence to achieve a finish. Support and love from friends and volunteers is an incredible motivator. This you have no defense for.
Umstead: Yes Mr. Hill I can not defend love and support.

Closing:

Umstead: Mr. Hill you must contend your sense of vulnerability and demoralizing achievement leads you to be hesitant to continue down the path of endurance events.
Harold: I will disagree Umstead. Part of any endurance race will be mental. Part of these sports will be hard. Parts of your course will tear up quads, toes, hamstrings, and may even draw blood this being said we are aware of these trials.

Harold: Umstead you do not know love and that is sad. Love will victor every time.

Umstead: Yes Mr. Hill I have lessons still to learn, I withdrawal my charge.

Sidebar Notes:

I could not have seen this coming and again cannot explain what caused my derailment. I am certain that Trail racers are the most caring racers anywhere. Thanks to all those who cared for me on Cedar Ridge trail. Without your support I may not have made it. Bless the EMT for checking in on me at the finish. A special thanks to Shannon for a drink and chips and the concern of everyone else who kept there eyes on me. One has a hard time putting to word the thanks he wishes to covey other than be blessed by your generous offers.

Jenny accomplished her goal of under 6hr, 5:34. We are really happy for her achievement as she has had this race as a goal for 3 years.

To the staff, volunteers and sponsors we bid you well and respect.

Peace.