A Lot Of Vacancies

I think we all often wonder why there's such evil in the world. Those who are especially religious or believe in the basic goodness of humankind are probably most at a loss for an explanation. I don't know that I can proffer one, but I do know that to me it makes sense that evil must exist as a contrast. As I read in an otherwise forgettable novelization of a film, without darkness there can be no light. Some people of faith who are somewhat more versed in scripture would say that evil exists according to God's will, so as to give us the choice of goodness rather than a mandate. Sometimes I prefer to choose evil, as Huck Finn believed himself to be doing towards the end of his story.

There's a mundane kind of evil that exists in every community. Perhaps you'll see the above buildup as unjustified, so small is the badness I put forward. Wherever you live, you are bound to be aware of a vacant lot- a parcel of land large or small which has been entirely unimproved by its owner (whether that be a private concern or the government). This piece of land is nothing but trouble, by and large. It accrues trash more than anything. Weeds grow there nearly as high as the hideous fence around it. Both vegetation and alleged security measures make the site extremely appealing as a campground for vagrants or a disposal area for evidence from felonious crimes. Worst of all, come election season, the candidates all plant their signs on its most prominent side or corner. It's a most regrettable place.

Jury Duty and Parties

Yesterday left me with no real time to write down a blog post, though I knew well what its subject was apt to be. All this week, I've been on call for jury duty here in LA County. I knew this would be coming late last year, when I sought and received a postpostment. Every night starting Sunday, I've had to call a hotline to see if my presence was required at a courthouse downtown. Each night, the voice assured me that it was not. I guess I got complacent about it.

Thursday night I was out with a friend to hear a speech he gave about his faith at a church. When it was through, I was quite tired, and didn't really think of calling. The following morning, I woke up miraculously early. Around 7:30, it occurred to me that I should call to make sure I wasn't needed. Instead of that expected outcome, I was told that in fact I was required to be down at the courthouse at 7:45. Even if I had been driving myself, that would have been insufficient time. As it was, depending on public transportation as I do, I was awfully late. The whole way, I was very concerned that they would be mad at me, and I would be in trouble.