An interesting situation popped up this past week. It began almost three weeks ago when I was scheduled for jury duty in Buncombe County. On the night before, as requested, I called in and discovered that they needed only groups 1-11. I was group 12. Though I take my civic duty seriously, I confess that I was elated that my service for jury duty was unnecessary.
Then, a few days ago, I received a phone call from someone claiming to be from the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office saying that two warrants for my arrest had been drawn against me because I hadn’t shown for jury duty. I explained that I called and was unneeded. “Yes, but you were sent a letter after that telling you that you needed to check in on July 18th, and you didn’t show.” Pretty soon, though very convincing, I began to realize that this was a scam ... even after he gave me docket numbers. He told me there were two fines totalling almost $2,000, else a deputy would come to my house and escort me downtown for arraignment.
I responded, “do what you wish ... “ and hung up. I checked with the Sherriff’s Office and was assured that this isn’t how that office operates and that unfortunately, though convincing, it was all a scam.
So, why would I spend so much of your time telling you of this enterprising afternoon a few days ago? Several reasons: first, I want to remind you that there are many unscrupulous people who are more than willing to separate you from your hard-earned money, and often, they are very convincing. Secondly, let’s remember that in our present national climate, there are a lot of enterprising politicians willing to tell us anything ... ANYTHING, in hopes of securing our vote. It may sound convincing, and at times, may be truthful. But be reminded, just because someone is saying something you want to hear or espousing something that sounds right to your moral ear DOES NOT necessarily mean you are being dealt with honestly.
It’s a lot like trying to respond meaningfully out of your personal faith. You may come to a point in which you really aren’t clear on how to respond. In those situations, remain silent. Wise people typically have great ease in silence. There is much to be learned there. If the words won’t stop, if the pressure heats up, if the volume rises ... it’s probably a scam. Just saying.