Jury Duty and Ruth Bader Ginsburg

 Spent interesting 7 days on a criminal jury.  Multiple charges at different locations, and defendant had already plead guilty to one charge. 

Everyone took their responsibilities seriously. The issues were complex and everyone spoke up clearly their views and why they held them. Several people were undecided on certain positions and listened to the debate and reviewed evidence. Respect led to good decisions by the jury.

Judge O Snohomish County Superior Court was impressive how he kept order and respect. He kept testimony moving and made decisions outside the jury’s view. Also apologized for some of the inconveniences of the courtroom and Covid19 safety measures. 

Observed the prosecutor and defendant’s attorney work together with respect. Spent more time with police, bailiffs and security attending court. They treated everyone professionally and respectfully. Use to spend more time with police when use to shoot competitively, and found enjoyed their company. With all the protests, still is important to remember everyone is human.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg passing was a surprise after we were done. RBG made our law and country better by pointing out how lesser status hurt both men and women. There is room in our country for rights for everyone, and RBG’s eloquent descents often made it clear. They will be studied for years to come.

Her marriage was a supportive partnership and family. Guests and friends always welcome. Marvin Ginsburg retired as Tax Attorney with her appointment to the Supreme Court. "She doesn't talk to me about cooking, and I don't talk to her about law." 

Her friendships with people who didn’t agree with her views like Antonio ‘Nino’ Scalia are an example how to live in these times. Her life is a testament of trying to improve peoples lives and being human herself. 

Do not have the spelling nor able to pronounce last name of the judge, but think heard a Caribbean accent. He and many other judges who do not fit the old image of judges are part of RGB’s legacy.

Respect for People

To move forward in life you have to find mentors to teach you. They often don’t even know they have taught you about life. It is not a formal job title. You find mentors everywhere.

Two men who mentored me were both named Robbie Robinson, many years apart. Both men helped a much younger man grow despite my being white.

Mawthorne “Robbie” Robinson trained me as a material handler, a summer replacement worker of 19. Be on time, be organized, work hard, and help your coworkers be productive. Eastman Kodak paid well, his son was also a summer replacement and decided to stay. He celebrated my going back to college, and wished his son did. His words and example helped me persist when I struggled to graduate college, and when work was hard.

Robbie Robertson was the husband of our engineering secretary. He carried himself well in any situation at work and in public, and always took care of people. Robbie was use to fame, a retired negro league baseball player. Being married to a white woman had to expose them both to some awkward situations, but you never knew it around them. Learned from Robbie both working with people and gracefully handling the inevitable aches and pains of aging. Useful now in my 60s.

In trying times, respect people with different views than our own. Mentors are family members, people you know, commentators, humorists, religious leaders, and writers who challenge our thinking. Find more mentors today for your tomorrows.

“If you never venture beyond what you know... You’ve spawned your own limitations.” - Sumner Redstone