So, i'm riding the bus home tonight listening to the final bit of the mix Leonard from Upcoming.org put together. (It nicely captures the kind of eagerness, effort, panic, and mild manic depression oh-so-common to many hacks, but that's beside the point.)
i'm seated near the front of the bus and watch as the latest group of folks get on board. One gentleman seems to be having a rather animated discussion with the driver, he's obviously very annoyed and strongly wishes to make his point. He takes out his wallet, shows something, then proceeds to have an even more annoyed discussion. i pop out my earphones to better hear the discussion.
"No, you will take me to the next corner and i refuse to pay. The bus can stay here all night for all i care."
Joy.
i look across to another gentleman who rolls his eyes and proceeds to count change. i stand up, wave him off (Hell, i didn't have to pay for my ride so i probably had more pocket change than he did.)
"No!" The irritated gentleman commands as i approach, dollar in hand, "Don't pay my fare! i demand that they take me to the next corner."
i cock an eyebrow at him and say "Buddy, i want to go home. Whatever point you're making, i win." and promptly feed the dollar into the meter fully aware that his fare was just $.75.
"No! i…! You… !" he sputters in shock and disgust.
"i win" i repeated.
"You expect me to now ride this bus!?" He demands even more irritated. "Well, i will NOT!" and storms off.
"Thank You, sir!" i say with great joy in my heart. "Bless You!" i call out as he turns to face me from the street corner. The doors close and the bus resumes it's journey. Whatever his following arguments were are lost to the whistle and groan of the engine.
i do believe i made friends with quite a few folks tonight.
Lessons of the day:
1. If you want to make a protest about municipal transit systems alleged cruelty or injustices, don't make it at Rush Hour. You'll not find a very supportive crowd.
2. If it costs a buck to get rid of a bus looney, it's worth it.
