As my first post I wanted to share some observations from my first and hopefully last time to appear as a witness before a Grand Jury in Superior Court.

I won't get too invloved with the story but it begins with an 'acquaintance' (person A) STABBING a good friend and former coworker (person B) in the back outside of a bar when they were leaving. They had 'exchanged words' earlier that night inside the bar but had seemingly calmed down prior to preparing to depart. They did not know each other before that evening and I was not present.

In mid-January I threw a party where a large number of folks were in attendance. Possibly one too many. Anyway, persons A and B happened to arrive at the party roughly at the same time on my front stoop. Person A did not immediately recognize B so B explained exactly how they met. Again, words were exchanged but there was no physical altercation. I was not witness to any of this either but B found me and relayed the full story and how this newest encounter violated a 'stay away order'. I asked A to leave and A complied after finding friends to inform them of the reason for leaving.

I thought that was where the story would end for me with regard to this.

After being served with an overkill of subpeonas (2 by mail, 2 faxes at work, 1 in person) I met with the presiding attorney and Metro police officer in charge of the case this morning. I gave them my account of the events the night of the party then I took the stand to tell the story to the 23 folks sitting in a windowless room for who knows how many hours. They took some notes, asked a few questions and inquired as to when I was planning to throw another party since they now know my address. All in all it was not a terrible experience but I'd love to cross that off the list for good.

Here's where the story veers a bit. (or more like where my boredom level reached a peak and I began to take note of items back in the attorney's office)

I don't usually spout off about my social or political views unless involved in a one on one or small group conversation. I'm most definitely liberal leaning but I'm always interested in hearing all opinions or reading more than one news source to cultivate my own views with the most info possible. I grew up in southern Ohio and over the years have worked closely with several folks that do not share my beliefs so I'm fairly comfortable in most any conversation (I spent a summer working with a klansman back in the late 80's). I guess I would be called tolerant.

Back to my point. The attorney's office was WELL stocked with pro-Bush and Republican propaganda as well as numerous photos of great 'grand ole party' presidents. I believe there were two talking W dolls on his shelves. Along with these items he took the opportunity to let his politcal views drop into the conversation on a few occasions. I blew it off cause I wanted to make my appearance as brief as possible but definitely felt as though I could never engage in a meaningful conversation with this guy before he would try to slant it his way.

I tried not to let that bother me too much but then I noticed the most disturbing artifacts in his office behind my head. There were several drawings by a child or children on the wall of hearts, trees, homes, horses and little traced hands. Each drawing had a similar theme in that they ALL had writing on them expressing thankfulness for Mommy, Daddy, President Bush and bears (in that order). All of them!

I know there are numerous liberal-thinking parents out there that try to influence their children from an early age but it never seems to be done with as much hate and absolute disdain for the other side. I'd like to believe that we're not all that different and basically want the same things in life but reality tells a much different story.

I'm hoping that this particular attorney nor any of his offspring never, ever get Supreme Court consideration.

I received $40 for my trouble but I'll likely donate the check to a cause or organization.

Any ideas?

Thanks for reading.

P.S. the cop only snored a couple times during proceedings