Uniquely Positioned in Book Seven: Reconstruction 2020

There are three things that I see from my tower that I feel I am in a unique position to see

(1) Man’s absolute inhumanity and cruelty never ceases to surprise or dismay me. The brutality, the heartlessness, the ability to do the most hideous things to loved ones and children? Even the demons fear man, for man’s imagination for cruelty outstrips theirs by a wide margin.

(2) The justice system serves no one. Despite the best intentions and hopes of decent people; there is no such thing as justice. A 25 year old with an OWI conviction is driving drunk and kills three people. He’s not been charged with anything. The crash happened in August. It may take up to a full year before charges are pressed and the entire time… the family that had to bury their loved ones grieve… and the 25 year old fuck-face experiences not even a traffic ticket. Or… a married man spends every evening yelling insults and threats to his wife (in front of their children). Every night, torturing her psychologically with insults and accusations and bile. And there’s nothing the law can do. Not a damned thing. Because being a toxic, hostile, garbage human… and doing it in front of the children… isn’t illegal.

(3) Intelligence is relative. I grew up honestly thinking that I wasn’t smart. Because I was surrounded by people far smarter. I miss that. A wise person once said, “Never be the smartest person in the room”. Because minds sharpen minds. I know and am in contact with less than 5 people that I can say with certainty are smarter than I am. And that doesn’t just mean “book learning.” Of course, all of this will shift whenever… if ever COVID ends. I’ll have access to places and people again. I’ll be able to spend time with more than just Criminal Defendants and Files. I’ll be able to go to museums again. There is absolutely a much needed trip to Chicago in my future when shit clears.