nyc dispatch 10.11.11
i’m standing on the f train heading into manhattan. i call it ‘chasing after that 50 bucks.’ one dance class. one hour, twenty minutes. and a 45 minute commute to the ailey school each way. i don’t know why i do it. i like the teacher. it’s easy. $50 can add up, especially when i can string them together. but that doesn’t always happen. i like having the time alone on the subway. right now i’m going through the michel thomas spanish language app i put on my iphone. it’s great. i feel like i am making progress. and there are many people in my neighborhood to practice with. when i go to baja and mexico city and oaxaca next month, i hope to be ready.
the train stops at carroll st. and people get on. the train is standing room only but not packed. a recorded announcement comes on - something about the mta reserves the right to inspect your bags at anytime. thank you for riding the mta. i used to just give the announcement the finger but i’m busy on my flashcards. some guy stands up and says loudly and articulately,
‘excuse me, but in response to that announcement you should as citizens of this country know that the 4th amendment has not been repealed and no law enforcement agency has the right to search you or your belongings without your consent unless you are being arrested or there is probable cause and refusing to give you consent does not constitute probable cause.’
and then he just sat down. i put my iphone in my pocket and applauded. others joined in and some people were shouting, ‘power to the people.’ still others were completely stone faced, unaffected. i put my fist in the air and felt my blood. could the times be a-changin’….back?
