October 29th, 2007

Train Hopping
I took the day off today. I just could not stand the thought of going to the cube on a Monday morning. With nothing better to do, I hopped on the Metrolink to Los Angeles. I really miss the LA vibe; it’s so different from Orange County… gritty, messy, urban….real. On the upper deck, looking out of the window on the train, I am reminded of going to Disneyland as a young boy. My mom would always take us on the train around the park to start our day in the Magic kingdom. I loved that tradition. I loved the clanging of the bell, the huge bellow of the whistle, and the hiss of the steam engine, as the conductor yelled “BOARD”. It’s as close to time travel as you can get. With a lurch we are off on a magic journey

As the train heads into LA, we travel though the backside of many industrial type warehouses. It makes me think of all the men who have created these businesses. I marvel at how hard they must have worked and how great this country is that so many people can generate and succeed at their own endeavor. It makes me proud to be from this country.

Once in Town
Downtown is not really a touristy place. If you’re a guy, Olveria Street can be covered in a matter of minutes. I see the United States Federal court building across the street, and figure I would give it a try. The guards are almost welcoming, and tell me to try the second floor. The doors have little glass slots, so I peak into a few courtrooms and find one with some action.

My mind does not work well within the legal system. It is very long winded, drawn out and thank goodness very through. But, it’s very thrilling for me to be in a place where the actual Constitution of the United States is being directly applied. The lawyer at the podium just mentioned the 4th amendment. You know, the one on the document signed by Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, George Washington and Jacob Broom.

The judge, Howard Matz, is preceding over a case involving a bunch of citizens using batons and rubber bullets to bust up a Fascist rally by the LAPD at McCarther Park, who are concerned of the rights of immigrants. Or maybe it was the other way around. The lawyer for the Police is arguing that they need more time to determine, of the people beaten up, which ones where in the park to demonstrate, and which ones where just walking by, and just happened to get beat up. Judge Matz quickly and firmly reminded him that the 4th amendment doesn’t care if you are taking a nap, reading the paper, or just getting some sun. Every citizen has the right to not get beaten up. I almost stood up and gave the judge a woop, woop, but thought it unwise given the church like atmosphere.

Justice
It feels good to see actual justice taking place. It feels good to see people being held accountable for their stupidity or their evil deeds. This is so rare in our everyday lives, where it seems that only the devious and deceitful prosper, and the kind and thoughtful are taken advantage of and stomped on. I loved it when the judge calls attention to the laziness or frivolous stalling of a lawyer. The judges are tough, and equitable. I wish I could bring one of the judges around with me to impose fairness in my daily life. What’s that, it’s going to cost me more than you quoted for the whatchmacallit, hold on, you need to stand before the man. Judge Matz….

Show Shine Boy
As a young boy growing up on the wrong side of the tracks, both literally and figuratively, it was such an adventure to go downtown. My friend Daniel and I would walk the mile and half, across the bridge spanning the LA River, and the railroad yard to shine shoes. It was so cool to be in the mix. Daniel was very outgoing and many of the shop keeps knew him by name. We would get into the movie house and see World War II pictures, and then go chat up all the small store owners. Once in a while we would actually shine a few shoes. Daniel got most of the business, I was so shy and stood off to the side and hoped someone would ask me to shine their shoes. It would happen occasionally. But I still remember the excitement and energy and adventure of downtown LA.

Train Station
I’m sitting in Union Station, which is like going back in time to the days where trains where the primary mode of transcontinental transportation. It’s beautiful, with big wooden and leather chairs, carved ceilings, and a spectacular Spanish courtyard. I have a while to wait for the Metrolink to take me back to Ole Towne Orange, so I sit in one of the big chairs and write and read a little. What a great day, a little adventure in between the grind of life. Where should I go next…?