Ignorant of the Ignorance
John Kaniecki
My first day in law school was also my last. In one dramatic moment my aspirations of becoming a lawyer vanished. Gone was my dreams of a lucrative career. Gone was the mansion, the space ship, and the sexy, blonde haired wife from Venus. Vanished was the reward from all my hard work. My sleepless nights of studying brought to naught. How did this tragedy occur? I simply asked a question.
‘Just asking a question?’ Surely you are jesting or at least talking hyperbole. What kind of institution would throw somebody out for simply making an inquiry? Let me tell you, there is a good reason that lawyers are rich. That is because we are ignorant of the ignorance. Now that statement sounds like a paradox or even a line from a poem. What do you mean by that?
“Who can tell me the most important axiom of law?” asked Professor Snyder. I was sitting eagerly in the front row. I was a zealot for the cause already. It was not my desire to achieve but to rise to the top. I wanted to be the Alexander the Great of law and conquer the whole dominion. Instead I became a thief crucified. The one at the left hand of Christ for there was certainly no resurrection with my career. Huh, that’s funny, to call something a career that never even began.
My hand shot up instantly. I had gotten my text books early and I had already devoured them. In fact I was confident that I could have passed the final exam most satisfactorily. A smiling Professor Snyder saw my outstretched hand and motioned towards me, “I see you have an answer.”
“Ignorance of the law, is no excuse,” came my steadfast answer.
“Very good,” complimented the teacher.
“So how does one know the law?” I asked. Perhaps to you that seems like a very mild question. After all it was law school.
All eyes drew their attention on Professor Snyder. There was a sense of silent anticipation lingering in the air. Lawyers mind you are creatures of deceit. There is no honesty in their bones at all. If you are a defense lawyer you sway the jury to find your client innocent. If you are a prosecutor you do all you can to make the individual guilty. The truth of the matter is inconsequential. There is no honesty at all. It is all just a matter of twisting the truth. That’s how it is on planet Earth.
Professor Snyder was dressed grandly for the first day of class. He was wearing a fine suit as if he was going to appear before the Supreme Court of the galaxy. This was his domain. He had the control. He set the rules. He was the absolute arbitrator. And I, well I was a thorn in his side. “Sir,” he said in cold cruelty, “I will have a word with you after class.”
There was a collective sigh in the classroom as the answer was adverted. At that time my question seemed not only innocent but most appropriate. After all we were students in law school and we were here to learn law. At least that was my supposition. Even now as I rehash the events in my mind it seems logical. But I have discovered that law has nothing to do with logic whatsoever. As you shall see it is much more devious then it appears.
After class, Professor Snyder called me to the front privately. He beckoned me with his claw like shriveled hand. “Yes, sir,” I addressed him. I was playing feigned attraction to the man. I knew that flattery was an effective and influential force.
`”I’ll have a word with you in a moment,” he said. Then he turned his attention to erasing the blackboard in the class room as the students walked out. One by one they exited the door as the clamoring chatter quieted to a hushed still.
“You are of course Michael Rogers,” asked the law teacher.
“Why how do you know that?” I asked perplexed.
“I have had some dealings with your father, now tell me, do you desire to learn about law?” came his question.
“Why of course,” I said incredibly stunned. After all I was enrolled in law school. For what other purpose was there?
“Well, let’s give you a good lesson in swaying the jury to your side,” Professor Snyder said with a grand grin.
My face lit up. This was grander than I could have dreamed. The inter galactic lawyer of great renown was going to be taking me under his wing. “My testimony is above impunity,” he declared boldly. “And you good sir, have zero reputation.”
To be honest I was crushed. It was a cruel verbal jab. I felt like a flea at the feet of an itching king. I could not hide my feelings and a frown came across my face.
“Furthermore if we were to testify as to the events that are occurring as we speak, the jury would have to believe either your story or my story. For you see the room is absent of any third party or neutral witnesses and there are no cameras or listening advices.”
I was too stupid and naive to see where this was going. Like a lamb before the butcher I stood silent.
“So when I go before the dean and tell them how rudely and disrespectful you talked to me he will have no recourse but to expel you from school.”
My tongue protruded from my mouth like a thirsty dog. Surely this was some sort of a rude jest.
“Good day,” sir said Professor Snyder, “enjoy the rest of your life. Please tell your father I said hello.” And such I was dismissed. Subsequently the threat was enforced. I was indeed expelled from law school.
***
My life ruined, thrown out of law school, with my lifetimes dreams smashed and all my hard work down the drain I did the next best thing. That was to go out and get as drunk as I possibly could. I left that night with no care of tomorrow. If the sun refused to shine I would applaud the more hours I could devote to getting hammered. There was only one difficulty I encountered. Please do not laugh when I say that I lacked the proper knowledge of such activity. Not only had I never gotten drunk but I had never even set foot into a bar. It was something that I had no knowledge of. Only hearsay information.
I wanted to drown my misery. I also wanted to avoid contact with anybody I was remotely associated with. So I called a driver service for a ride to the spaceport. I understood that if I was caught intoxicated and driving there were serious repercussions. I wanted to avoid illegalities. I am a creature who likes to live in the comfort of a box. There are parameters and I walk inside them.
I watched the scenery change as I traveled in my ride. My parents suburb home is quite an impressive structure. It is located on a local high spot and has a spectacular view of the surrounding area. At night leaving my residence I saw the lights scattered in the valley below. These bright points like far away candles came from various homes nearby. In the far off distance glowed the dense collections of shining buildings. It was to that unknown I was destined for. To Grand City, in particular the adjacent spaceport.
As the hover limousine sailed through my local area I saw the various abodes of my neighbors. Homes of doctors, lawyers, engineers and other professionals. Their identities known by reputation and whispering rumors. Each building large in size, complete with a spacious plot of grass. Much more space then was really utilized. Slowly as we descended to the bottom of the mount the house sizes diminished. These abodes were much more practical in size.
The hover limousine then drove through a highway area. The scenery on either side was quite aghast. A technical definition of these badlands would be the slums. There in crowded multi unit apartments dwelt the undesirable elements of society. Or at least those perceived such by the company that I was accustomed to keeping. These were those who worked in factories or similar low skill jobs. Most of these professions were entirely performed by robots. The lower class were viewed from the majority of the hierarchy as carbon based automatons. Others in these neighborhoods had no employment and subsisted on government subsidies. Personally, I had never ventured into this domain. Rather I had only passed through it fearfully observing the boarded up buildings that were speckled about.
After traveling through this decrepit neighborhood we came to an industrial area. Grand factories and giant warehouses were prominent in this domain. The warehouses were of course staging areas for goods either leaving or coming to the planet. From here the commerce would be spread across a territory of hundreds of miles. The manufacturing building still spewed obnoxious gases into the immediate vicinity. Ironically the poor community was down wind. Of course, these gasses contents were regulated to the level deemed safe for humanity. However some purport that massive amounts of toxins pollute the air, especially the ghetto. If so they are clearly breaking the law. But exactly what is the law? Certainly it is only good if enforced.
Once again the terrain transformed into a suburb of residences. Though identical to the ones located close to my home town, the prices of these were astronomical in comparison. The reason being that these were on the edge of the spaceport area. As such the local commute was diminished and even public transportation to the city was available.
Finally we crossed into Grand City itself. Here tall buildings half a mile high towered in the air. Lights glowed glistening. My hovercraft limousine took us on the cross town express bypassing local traffic jams. My destination was not into Grand City. Rather we were simply heading through it into the spaceport. It was there I would be certain not to see a soul that had clue as to who I was. I was anonymous tonight. At least that was my plan.
Upon reaching the spaceport we reached a check point. I was unaware that such things actually existed. I was and still am rather naive about the way of life. It was my understanding that such things were illegal. Looking through the tinted glass of my windows I observed two pig faced creatures dressed in black. Upon their chests were golden badges, most likely indicating membership in some sort of galactic police force. Most alarming to me where the two rifle weapons that dangled on their shoulders. I was sure they were not for show.
I grew very uneasy at this point as the seconds ticked away. The spaceport was technically part of the greater galaxy. Therefore according to the written code of Earth it was an area of joint domain. However the reality of such jurisdiction is truly a paper tiger. Any court cases that happen to arise would be in the jurisdiction of the government of the galaxy. And thus the judge and jury would be provided by the galaxy representatives. This is not a slight thing, but in fact changes the whole interpretation of the law.
The pig creatures for some reason didn’t like the paper work presented and questioned my driver once again as to the purpose of my visit. “Come on,” pleaded the driver, “he’s just a young man looking for some crvax.“
When the two guards heard this they burst into a snorting laughter. They then waved us through the gate. It troubled me when the gate closed behind us. I was in fact legally off of the Earth.
Traveling through the spaceport area was fascinating to the utmost degree. This area was clearly well thought out and planned. It was an architect’s dream come true. It was certain that no cost was spared. The roads were wide and spacious. In the middle there was a divider where tall trees grew. One either side of the roads were walking areas. Between the sidewalks and the road were grassy areas with all sorts of flowers in bloom. The cities on Earth were established long ago and then updated as technology progressed.
The area of the spaceport was built up from scratch with modern technology already developed. Thus the designers had a great advantage over their Earthly counterparts. They took full advantage of it in a most tremendous way.
The buildings were eclectic in design. Some were massive towering structures whose height could not be fathomed. Others were ornate with cleverly carved stone and intricate metallic designs. Whatever the design, they combined efficiency with beauty. My favorite was a many tiered building the size of a football stadium. It rose from top to bottom with a bulge in the midst of it. On the edge of each level were various bushes and other like flora. Beauty had not been sacrificed for efficiency. Truly just making the journey was worth the trip. It was as if I had taken a journey into the future.
The limousine pulled in front of some place. The establishment was sixty feet in the air with a ledge used by hovercrafts to pick up or drop of patrons.
As the door man opened the back door to the limousine the driver called out, “Buzz me when you want a pick up.”
I gave him a wave and then exited the vehicle. He zoomed off into the night. I didn’t stop to consider or to wonder where.
I walked to the large door. There stood a grand creature. He was gray in color and was immense in size. Muscles bulged out of his uniform. “I.D” said a small squeaky voice. It was so out of character that I actually laughed out loud.
Realizing it was such an inappropriate reaction I quickly apologized. “Please forgive me.”
The big creature laughed a hearty squeaky laugh for a good minute. “Please sir,” he said continuing in a squeal. “Your gravity is so much lighter then where I come from. Every time I speak I sound like a sighing cat.”
“Sure,” I said, quite relieved.
“But sir,” he interjected, “I must insist on seeing you i.d.”
I reached into my wallet and pulled out my i.d.
“Thank you,” said the bouncer, “you may proceed.”
“But you didn’t even look at it,” I objected.
“Law stipulates that I must ask every entrant to present their i.d. Failure to present an i.d. makes it illegal to enter. Presenting one allows entrance.”
“But you don’t even know if it’s legitimate or that I am of legal age,” I objected. Some how this regulation didn’t seem proper.
“Please don’t tell me how to do my job, sir.” With those words he pulled forward the massive door that was the entrance to my destination. As the portal opened a massive flood of music struck my ears. It was accompanied by a Babel of chatter. Also there was a sweet perfume odor that tantalized my nose. As I entered the gargantuan spoke a final time, “have a good time HU-man.” I walked in and the door closed behind me.
The scene definitely wasn’t what I expected. I didn’t know exactly what I had anticipated but it was without a doubt not this. What I saw was something from another world. I can scarcely describe the diversity of life. The majority of the beings were humanoid. These were not disturbing to me for the most part. There was one creature that had six arms. Another one was indistinguishable from a human except for a gigantic eye in the center of his far head. There was a plant being that was an extreme oddity. A walking lobster like creature fascinated me. In fact I stood there gawking as my eyes examined alien after alien.
“HU-man,” called out a voice. “Are you not aware that it is rude to stare?”
I suddenly gathered my senses together. After all I was in a bar and not a zoo. I turned to see the speaker. Standing before me was a diminutive creature about four feet tall. The being was very near to human in form. His skin was a powdery white. His head had straight blue hair with two antennas sticking upwards. “I am sorry.”
“There is no need to apologize HU-man,” said the creature. “We are well aware that you are from a primitive society and lack the social skills needed to navigate in a galactic setting.”
I was perturbed at this statement.
“Do my observations disturb you HU-man?”
“No,” I said.
“You are of course lying to me HU-man,” said the small alien in a matter of fact way. I would have gotten angry but the creature was right. He had greatly offended me in his analysis of my behavior. Mostly because I was ostensibly rude.
“Ah, so you are silent HU-man,” the creature continued. “But allow me to introduce myself to you. My name is Gregax and I come from the planet Xertoal. I know that you are an ignorant creature and have no clue as to where I come from or what my people are like. Is that not true?”
The experience was truly out of this world. “Yes,” I admitted, “I have in fact never left Earth.”
“Well I, Gregax, am delighted HU-man that you have ceased your lying ways. All of us from Xertoal can determine when a sentient being is not speaking the truth.” The creature then paused and started to laugh bizarrely. “Nark, nark, nark,” come a subdued chuckle.
“My name is Michael,” I said.
“Ah,” said Gregax, “MI-chael. It is very glad of me to meet you.”
“Thank you Gregax it is nice to meet you as well.”
“Is this your first time here?” inquired the alien.
“Yes it is,” I said.
“Well please allow me to introduce you to some of the regulars,” Gregax volunteered. “This is our home away from home.”
“Why that is most kind of you,” I said.
“And what kind of LAW-yer are you?” asked the dwarf.
I was tempted to lie but I knew that I would be caught and it would offend my new found friend. So I decided to use strategy. “What makes you think I am a lawyer?” I asked.
“Hmm,” said Gregax. “I assume that anyone coming in here has the profession of a LAW-yer as this establishment is primarily dedicated to those who pursue such a profession. You are not a lawyer then?”
“I didn’t say that, did I?” I was starting to enjoy the conversation and feel at ease.
“Hmm,” the alien hummed. “You talk very much like a LAW-yer don’t you? I could suppose you were a judge but you are far too young for that. Are you then a law student?”
“As a matter of fact, today was my first day in law school,” I confessed.
“Well then excellent,” Gregax said with delight. “Shall we not get ourselves a drink and enjoy ourselves in some conversation.”
Gregax tugged at my sleeve and we walked away from the entrance towards a larger area. There was a bar with stools on one side. These tall chairs were occupied with an assortment of creatures. On the other side of the bar was a large continuous mirror. Bottles full of liquids of various shades filled shelves in front of the mirror. There was a large room which was full of tables and chairs. Groups of people occupied the area. All in all it was very crowded yet there was room to maneuver about. I did my best not to gawk and stare at the various aliens. Bizarre unearthly music was played through speakers creating a backdrop to the noise of conversation.
Gregax led me towards the back of the room. We skillfully navigated the floor avoiding others. I began to speculate on how I wound up in a bar that was frequented by lawyers. It was my dad who recommended to me the limousine company. I knew that the driver didn’t let me out here by coincidence the odds against that were to overwhelming. So it was my father’s doing. But what had he hoped to accomplish?
Gregax arrived at a table and motioned me to take a seat. There were two beings already sitting at the table. One was green and reptilian like. She if indeed she was a she had two heads. In one of the mouths dangled a cigarette attached to a long black holder. The creature inhaled and rudely blew the blue smoke into my face. I started to gag. “This is MI-chael,” said Gregax introducing me.
“Charmed,” said the alien extending a thin hand covered with a silky blue glove. “My name is Beetrius, but you may call me B.”
“Nice to meet you,” I said. Gregax raised on eyebrow as he looked at me. I had fibbed again.
“And this,” said Gregax to a creature that looked identical to a chimpanzee except larger in size, “is Luis.”
The primate being spoke, “I am utterly delighted to make your acquaintance MI-chael. On behalf of this chapter of galactic lawyers allow me the good pleasure to welcome you to our most humble abode.”
“Why thanks,” I said beginning to feel comfortable.
“Now tell us exactly why you are here MI-chael,” said Gregax. I noticed when he asked the question the other two at the table leaned forward to listen intently. I was beginning to feel a set up going on. Perhaps good old dad was using his political influence here.
“Well,” I said slowly and deliberately, ” I am looking to have a good time.”
“For what purpose?” Gregax queried.
“Gregax,” I began trying to navigate the river of questioning to a different channel, “is it possible for you to lie?”
“Ah, how perceptive,” said the alien, “I would like to say yes, but I must say no.”
“And so,” I began triumphantly, “have you any foreknowledge of me coming to this establishment.”
“WAITRESS,” cried out Gregax, “waitress we need some drinks here!”
“Now MI-chael,” began the talking Chimp, “As duly elected and dutifully sworn in grand marshal of this chapter of galactic lawyers, I would like to extend to you membership in our organization.”
“Really?” I said quite shocked. In fact I almost fell off of my chair.
“Let me assure you,” said one of B’s heads, “we are most serious in our offer.”
The other head continued, “I have to admire a HU-man who does not stare at me. You are truly a credit to your species.”
“Thanks,” said, “I guess.”
Meanwhile the waitress came over. She was a golden skinned woman with flowing red hair. She was wearing a black uniform. “Can I get you anything?”
Gregax spoke up, “Yes I will have my usual, and for the HU-man, I believe he would like a traitrhax, straight up.”
“Are you certain?” asked the servant with hesitation.
Gregax raised his voice, “we have given you our orders, now your duty is to perform them.” Obediently the waitress turned around and left the table.
“What did you order for me?” I asked with curious concern.
“Ah,” said Gregax, “it is a most wonderful mixture which will lighten your spirit and put you at ease.” “I was just hoping for a beer or perhaps a glass of wine,” I said.
“Beer or wine?” Luis said with contempt. “Why is it that you HU-mans insist on drinking the residue of rotted vegetables. I am confident that your traitrhax will make you feel finer and with no lingering after effects, such as a hangover.”
One of B’s heads turned towards me and spoke, “Now MI-chael we have a business proposal for you.”
“But you don’t even know me,” I objected.
“That is not true,” Gregax chimed in. “You father is one of the HU-mans that we prefer to have business dealings with.”
Again a reference to my dad. Would I ever be able to walk away from his shadow? It was very logical that he would be known in these parts. The spaceport fell into the territory that he was state representative for. I was beginning to feel like the whole evening was a set up. I would have to simply ride the waves until I knew exactly where at sea I was.
“Now Michael,” began the large chimpanzee alien. “We are an organization that is a firm believer in honor. In fact law is but the articulation of honor. It is just detailed written terms that expound upon social agreements and contracts.”
“It explains the rules of life.” B added.
“Ah Miss B,” Luis countered. “Please give this young HU-man some credit. After all he is very well educated in their university.”
The two headed creature’s both heads spoke simultaneously. “The same intelligent HU-mans who negotiated the terms of this spaceport.” As soon as the words were uttered a burst of laughter rang out from my three associates. I felt outside an inside joke.
“Well regardless of the primitive nature of their society and their ignorance in their affairs we cannot condemn an entire race on the actions of a select few, can we?”
Luis asked.
“I would,” stated Gregax, “These creatures are very materialistic, you see how their laws are focused around material possessions.”
I gave a wry smile. What Gregax was referring to was the statement that possession was nine tenths of the law. The correct interpretation of this was the ninety percent of the laws on the books were involved with possessions. All other areas constituted the other ten percent. Still I wanted to defend humanity. “Why we have a whole history of leaders who have risen up against materialism,” I cried out in defense of mankind.
“Yes,” that is true said Luis softly, “and you have had them murdered long before their time, didn’t you?”
The waitress returned with our drinks. I was delighted for the distraction. The golden skinned woman placed a drink in front of me. It was a tall red liquid with a frothy head. Bubbles rose up in the drink much like a soda. A small glass with a clear liquid was placed on the table of Gregax. I grabbed my drink and raised it high, “Let’s have a toast,” I called out, “to better times.”
All the aliens smiled and then in unison repeated my call, “to better times,” they said. We then put forward the glasses and clinked them together. Afterwards we all took a small sip from our respective beverages. My drink tasted very sweet with a hint of bitterness. It went down smoothly but then my stomach began to burn. I felt a strong urge to vomit and put my hand over my mouth.
“Ah,” said Gregax in a snicker, “I see the traitrhax is very potent.”
“Now, we are so delighted to have you working with us,” said B.
“What do you mean?” I cried in objection. “I never made any agreement.”
“Allow me to present the facts,” Luis began. “We were discussing the notion of employment were we not?”
“Yes,” I said.
“Well then after said discussion you made a toast to and I quote, ‘a better days’, did you not.”
“Yes,” I declared, “but I didn’t mean-“
“What you meant would be interpreted by those who were witnesses,” through in B’s first head.
“I for one assumed that it was in regards to that,” said the second head blowing out a puff of smoke.
“What say ye Gregax?” asked Luis.
“Allow me to say this that what Luis and Beetrius would count for sixty percent of our group. Therefore with the majority being decided any interpretation on my behalf is inconsequential.”
My mind started fluttering in unbelief. What I mean by this was that I was experiencing some effects from my beverage. I was grateful that I only took a small sip from the glass. “B, b, but,” I began.
“Ah, this matter has already been decided,” said Luis.
“Well you got shortchanged,” I said boldly, “because I am not even a lawyer.”
“Ah,” said B, “we find blatant honesty from a HU-man most refreshing.”
The second head joined in, “We have done extensive studies on your planet’s legal history you know?”
“True,” said Luis, “how your own people interpret their own laws has a great effect on how the galactic law is administered unto them.”
“And,” chimed in Gregax with a broad smile, “we consider treaties, the relationship between two countries or groups of people the most binding of contracts.”
My mind went over the history of Earth. I knew collectively we as a race was in grave trouble. Every treaty mankind made was broken, most of them fragrantly. Our own despicable history would come to haunt us. I sat as my mind felt like it was rising in an elevator with no upper limit.
“I understand you want to know how you know the law?” asked Gregax.
“Did my dad tell you that?” my words were all slurred together. I pointed at the dwarf alien with my finger. My finger seemed to grow. I sat stunned focusing on my protruding finger. I felt like Pinocchio except it wasn’t my nose growing.
“Yes,” said Gregax, “he did. And might I say we admire that question.”
“Really!?!” I was stunned.
“Truly, your laws are laws of convenience,” said Luis as if he about to give a dissertation. It struck me extremely funny that a talking chimpanzee was going to educate me in law.
I began to scratch under my arms and cry out “eee, eee, eee”, mimicking chimpanzees on Earth.
“Law is very complex,” said B ignoring my antics. “The society that I came from has strived for clarity. That is we felt if ambiguity was dismissed then there would be no contention or feelings of prejudice when verdicts were decided.”
The second head of Beetrius spoke, “Your laws however are nothing but ambiguous. For example in sentencing your judges are given a leeway of time in jail. Also sometimes parole is a possibility to further reduce the prison sentences or extend them.”
“But that’s to have the punishment fit the crime and to help rehabilitation,” I called out.
Both the heads of B laughed in a snicker. “Really dear MI-chael,” sneered one of the heads. “We have made statistical studies incorporating all factors. You’re sentencing is biased both by racial orientation and economic status. Basically if you are part of the establishment you can commit murder and get away with it.”
“That’s a lie,” I shouted.
“Really?” said Luis. “And what happens to your prohibitory laws against murder when ‘war’ is declared? Why then mass murder is conducted, in violation to appropriate treaties and bypassing local jurisdiction.”
I sat silent. The future of mankind was being thwarted reaping the bitter fruits of it’s hypocritical sowing of wickedness. “But that’s different.” I objected.
Gregax looked at me. “I know you don’t believe that yourself MI-chael.”
I sat silently in reflective quietness. It is hard to argue with a person who knew when you were lying. The drink was now mellowing me out. I reached out and took a second sip. I focused on why in the first place I had ventured out. It was in fact to drown away my sorrows. I had indeed found a great distraction.
“In my society,” Gregax commentated, “our law system is based on honor. We look at the intent of what an individual was trying to do. We only use judges in the most extreme of circumstances. Rather we have parties with contention work things out between them. That way any bitterness or loss of brotherhood is avoided.”
I sat there stunned as I reflected on the law system of Earth. Truly if it was called as a witness it’s testimony would hold no weight. Subdued I asked, “What do you want me to do?” “We like you MI-chael,” said Luis.
“Yes, even though you are a HU-man,” B added.
“Allow us to explain your law system,” said Gregax. “Your law system is ambiguous. Your system of jury is subject to extreme manipulation in selection. Judges are corrupt. In fact the statutes that you apply are very subjective. It is in fact an exercise in ignorance.”
“And most unjust,” Luis added.
“Now as decent and fair creatures of a greater galactic coalition we are going to rectify the situation. As such we need somebody to interpret humanity to us. You are as good a choice as anybody else.” Those words spoken by Gregax made sense to me.
“Come now,” said Luis. “We are fair creatures. We leave the final decision to you. Our jesting over the toast was an extreme and unfair ruling that we would never abide with. Only a corrupt society such as Earth would conduct itself in such a manner.”
I reached out to my drink. The bitterness in my stomach had fled. I was flying high. I had made some new friends and apparently found a job, if I wanted it. I wouldn’t be a lawyer but rather be working with alien lawyers in understanding our culture. The possibilities seemed endless. Most of all I had received that answer to my question. How does one know the law? Yes there are rules written on a piece of paper. Society is supposed to adhere to them. But often they are simply dismissed. Many times they are convoluted and contradictory. Basically things are simply made up as they go along. It is just that the common man is ignorant of the ignorance. I know it was true of me and is still true in many ways. I had much to learn but the journey had begun in earnest.
John Kaniecki is an author residing in Montclair, New Jersey with his lovely wife Sylvia. They are active in the Church of Christ at Chancellor Avenue. John is a published writer and poet. John has two books. A science fiction book entitled “Words of the Future”. This is a collection of stories. He has a poetry book called “Murmurings of a Mad Man”. This work examines mental illness from the point of the mentally ill.
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