In my last post I briefly told the story of how I got into melee in the parking lot of a grocery store with an anti-masker. It happened in a small Southern town. The problem with those types of communities is that they have their own sense of code when it comes to what is logical and fair, law wise. Sure, it would have been better for me to have simply gotten into my car and sped away. But, I made the decision to stand my ground because I always believe standing up to bullying is essential to making a community stable. It also does wonders for a person spiritually, psychologically and emotionally. It gives loved ones the belief that you can be trusted to protect their best interests.
Most of Alabama is 'deeply red' Republican. The community, Rainbow City, where the incident occurred is know for a history of strict arbitrary mandates. They even had a problem with police harassment and cases of drugs illegally being planted on people to get them arrested 15 years ago. Last week when I went to press charges for assault, the cop that was on the scene told me I should be jailed for calling anti - maskers 'assholes' while speaking to the clerk during check out at the super market. He then told me I should be jailed for physically restraining the guy who hit me. I have been publicly critical of their squad for years. It is not beyond the imagination to think they know who I am. The court clerk basically had the same attitude. I was so flustered by their perspective that I left and told them I may pursue it as a civil matter. I called a lawyer neighbor of mine and she told me I did not have strong case to file suite. She recommend I go to my original plan and make it a criminal case. After telling my story in it's entirety and in all honesty to three people, including my neighbor, they all say I could have made a smarter decision but that no crime was committed on my part.
As I went to officially press charges for a second time yesterday, they acted really nervous. Just like the first time they tried to discourage me from doing so by threatening me with charges of disorderly conduct for 'cussing' and they stated they may even throw the case out. In my written statement concerning all that had happened I told them any type of arrest would prompt me to get an attorney and we would interpret their actions as false imprisonment. It was obvious I may not get the type of justice that is deserving of such a case. Sadly, in most more progressive communities I would not have been treated in such a strange way. Things would have gone as normal. I can only speculate but it appears the man who hit me, must have some important connections with community leaders and they are trying to 'sweep it under the rug.' Or they have personal bias against me and don't want to see me 'win' in the legal and ethical way since I did not take the bait and commit a serious offense.
Reader, I want you to know you will have times in your life when people in power will try to intimidate you into going against your best interests to keep themselves from getting exposed. They are cowards! I know this because when I told the clerk who threatened me with petty charges, which would lead to a warrant, which would lead to me having to go the jail for '30 minutes; that people have told me I technically committed no crime, she became really flustered and asked who told me that. The conversation downgraded to being personal and non professional. I told her it was non of her business.
So now, I got the kind of hand I want in this card game. Sure, I wish I did not have to play at all, but life is messy at times and brings you into situations you don't want. And I can say this: I'M ABSOLUTELY WILLING TO GO TO JAIL FOR A FEW MINUTES AND BAIL OUT IF I HAVE TO SEEK JUSTICE AND LAND THE GUY WHO ASSAULTED ME IN JAIL AS WELL. Yes, going to court is nerve wracking. But, I think the price for not standing up for my self and what I think is just would be so much worse. It would stay with me for a life time. I think the cowards are starting to see that. More than likely the case will be dropped as it is a certainty that if I get charged the antagonizing party will most certainly have to go to jail. Then, I will tell my story in the more fair, public court of sentiment. I will use the power of the pen.
*Reader, understand something.........that the greatest gift you can give yourself is the belief that you are right in your convictions. Don't let them go, even as the fear of threats come upon you. This gift you give yourself translates onto others you care about without you even noticing. It may take pain and time, but life has a way of always rewarding those who are upright and stand by their convictions.
John
October 22, 2020
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