I was selected to serve on a six member jury of the Spokane Country District Court yesterday. After much waiting, we listened to straightforward and overwhelming testimony regarding a DUI accusation. The defendant had clearly OD'd on prescription drugs but was attempting the flimsy defense that his erratic driving was caused by fatigue. The offense took place in June of 2003. The affair ended in a mistrial and we were all sent home. They'll have to start all over and subpoena the witnesses again. So much for a promised "speedy trial." If I had previously entertained belief in an equitable justice system, I may have been disillusioned. Instead, I was just irritated.
Turns out the ear infection I was fighting for some time is gone, but it left me with a ruptured eardrum, which explains why I still can't hear out of my right ear. They say to give it a few weeks, and if it doesn't heal itself it's routine surgery for an ear-nose-throat specialist. Vunderful.
One last thing. I'm heading to Europe in a month. My friend Jerry and I are touring Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, and possibly Austria and Switzerland. The rental car is kinda spendy. Anyone wanna come with and help split the costs?