The Price Of Silence

In the previous editorial, Volume 2, Number 1 SIGNS of the TIMES: The Value of Silence, I stated there are both positive and negative values in silence and which one gets is largely dependent on the individual persons perspective. I did not, however, define the subject about which almost all citizens of this, or any other country, hear nothing but silence.

It is a subject, which we, as citizens, should all know intimately, should be 'common knowledge,' but is not. Known by various titles: Jury, Juror, Jurist, Jury Nullification and Jury Lawlessness, among others, is a subject that nearly all U.S. citizens do not read or know about; while, the few who do know about it, for their convenience and profit, want, need, the rest of us to remain ignorant of.

Interested? Curious? You should be, so read on.

Consider the following questions privately.

1. When was the last time you, or anyone you know, discussed the rights and responsibilities of a Juror?
2. When was the last time you, or anyone you know, read about the rights and responsibilities of a Juror?
3. Have you ever done so?
4. Do you know what is expected of a Jurist, Jury?
5. Do you know what the duty of a Jurist, Jury is?
6. How do you know?
7. Are you relying on what you were or will be told by someone else?
8. Do you know where to look for the definitions of what a Jury, Juror and Jurist are; and, what their rights and responsibilities are?
9. Do you know who a Juror, Jury, is/are responsible to and must obey?
10. Who a Juror/Jurist, Jury is not responsible to and must not obey?
11. Ultimately, if called to Jury Duty are you like the growing majority of U.S. citizens now; uneducated about, therefore ignorant of the purpose and workings of a Jury?

The nice thing about this editorial format is no one need admit which group you think, believe or know they belongs. By simply reading the ignorant will cure their condition; the informed can check my accuracy; the unsure belay their doubts and the un-believers can question my assertions. Even those few who know the truth but wish to keep it hidden from the majority can challenge me, but I doubt we shall hear anything from that small group.

The weapon? Silence.

The price? Freedom.

Who pays? The people.

Who profits? Government and those who run it.