I had to go to court over a minor issue today and it was enlightening to sit there and listen to how shit goes down in this little southern town. Simple pot possession was a sizable fine and a year probation, open container was a $400 fine, and DUI's were passed on to criminal court. Wife abusers were banned from ever owning a firearm for the rest of their lives (I get this one), and there were several shoplifters that were treated very harshly.

The court was jammed full due to a whole Thursday session being cancelled from last month due to an ice storm. They were calling the cases in alphabetical order and as they were working through the "c"s a good hour into the session, I knew it was going to be a long day.

All of a sudden the judge called my name and I shot up to the podium. She shuffled through some paperwork, looked up at me and smiled and said "case dismissed!" I said "thank you your honor" (a lot of folks had been calling her ma'am). She raised her palm up, told me to have a nice day, and I walked back through the crowded courthouse and out the door.

I believe all things work together towards a purpose, at least they do for me. I now have a new perspective on what's not allowed in this town. Not that I steal stuff or beat women, but you know...