The Taxi Trial

This past weekend, I took the liberty of taking a taxi to Target so that I could avoid the “on the hour” weekend transit schedule and get my prescription and get to my holocaust museum tour on time. My ride there was quite enjoyable with the driver being nice, but not overly friendly. The driver who picked me up from Target however, was a different story.

Upon entering the cab and getting through the traditional, where to type things, the driver asked me where I was from. I responded that I was from Texas. He then asked what I was doing here and I informed him that I was an intern. He then asked where I worked. Okay, I may be a sweet little new grad from Texas A&M, but I did know where this was going. In an attempt to escape the political storm that was brewing, I calmly answered, “the Capitol.” He then asked for whom did I work at the Capitol. “Randy Weber”, I stated evenly.

 “Republican or Democrat?” Crap.

“Republican.”

“Are you a Republican?” Double crap.

“Yes.” Wrong answer.

For the remainder of my trip (to the holocaust museum) I was informed about how uncaring and unfeeling I was towards my fellow man. I was also exposed to his feelings on “George Mother F***** W. Bush” and his ‘cronies’. By the end of the trip, which I might add I was paying for, I had dealt with someone needlessly and relentlessly demonizing my beliefs.

Am I a Republican? Yes. Am I cold and unfeeling? No. Did I harass a stranger for their political beliefs? No.

Internship lesson #3:  my political beliefs are my right under the constitution, just the same as yours. Be respectful, or you won’t get a tip.