Voir dire

Went through the "voir dire" process yesterday.  Take note:  Voir dire (/ˈvwɑr ˌdiər/) is a legal phrase that refers to a variety of procedures connected with jury trials. It originally referred to an oath taken by jurors to tell the truth (Latin: verum dicere), i.e., to say what is true, what is objectively accurate or subjectively honest, or both. 

I found that in the truth which each juror was asked to publicly state, or privately if needs be, that we are all very busy and experienced individuals.  Most people believe in second chances, well I didn't hear a single person say they didn't.  About a third of the people I was amongst found their schedules to bee too full for jury service, and gave every reason why.  I empathized, but thought of how blessed we are to be taken from our busy lives and sit for a moment to think about how we, citizens of the USA, are capable of showing how our country remains free.  Freedom comes with a cost, and ours was only to sacrifice some of our time as we held the balance of mercy and justice in our hands; other sacrifices require life.  

As the judge came upon me, he found I am a nurse by night, and then he recognized that I care for "a child!"  I giggled and said, "I care for many, but would be honored to serve if needs be."  There is no greater responsibility than the rearing of children, but I stated my willingness to set aside my task to other trusted individuals so that we can maintain our freedoms.  The judge was endearing and kind--grateful for everyone who was willing.  

It reminded me of my lesson with Connor last week about the great Cinncinatus from the Roman Republic.  He was a good, humble, hard working man.  The Romans found themselves in harms way because the dictator (a man who took power in times of war and raised an army to fight for Rome)  had been tricked and led into a valley, encircled by their captors on all sides.  They would fight until they perished if Rome hadn't sought to save their army.  Cinncinatus left his field, his little family, for a time, to serve his nation when they called upon him.  He took the power of a dictator, strategically planned how to save his fellow men, and then, in a shocking move, surrounded the enemy in the fashion they had encircled the first Roman army that was now stuck in a valley.  The enemy was now the middle ring between the  Romans who acted from the center and outer ring.  Cincinnatus was hailed for his victory, asked to remain in office, but kindly declined and went straight back to his plough, because he knew 2 things to be true: 1. His treasured life was a humble one, but it was with his family, doing his job as provider and protector. 2. The power does not belong to a single man, it belongs to the people.  For those who don't know, George Washington is known as the American Cinncinatus, because he held power for the length of time necessary...never any longer.  

When your call comes, remember why you are going to serve on a jury.  Maintain our country's freedom in the ways you can by abiding by your responsibilities.