Police State

New Jersey is not New York. Day by day my polished ignorance, and prejudice is being slaughtered. The previously held mental picture I had of New Jersey is not of the rolling hills, and friendly people I have been so happy to meet. Here is a place where three different police cars have all pulled up beside me with genuine hello's, and thought out questions because they really wanted to understand this man on a journey across America.
I was honored by each car police car that stopped. In New York I felt my body cringe whenever a cruiser pulled up. A stoic man would glare at me, and the race off. Now I find that I have a smile out before the police car has completed its stop. This is a great change.
Yesterday Officer Randy Maccione pulled up to me while I was trying to cover alot of miles before eating, or coffee. I was fried before nine a.m. At first I was offered a ride, and I wondered if this was a front seat, or a back seat offer. It is a worry from too many viewing of Rambo, and also by not being raised in a way that enables a trust in authority figures. I explained that I couldn't take a ride. Inside I hoped that that was an option. My card was given, and ten minutes of talking flew by. It was fantastic to find that not only did I like this man, but we really got each other. In three and a half years Officer Maccione (Sorry, I didn't note a rank although I looked)would be retiring. We talked about places to see, shortness of life, and the illusion of living forever that we dangle in front of our days like carrots--so that so many never live. Another friend pulled up, so I began walking again. In a couple more hours I would see the same officer again for my picture taken next to his patrol car, a handshake, and a few more questions that left me feeling empowered, like this dream wasn't for people that couldn't make the grade, but for the few that could. I felt very honored to meet a man I respected, and also respected my dream. He did not see a wasting of days. He did not see someone that flushed the status norm. Out of nowhere I had more energy to do more morning miles than I ever do.