For some reason, it wasn’t until now that I really started to grasp what I’d signed up for. I would be part of a group of people tasked with updating the foundational document of the United States. Holy shit.
It’s not that I’m eminently qualified for the job. It just happens that the make up of the delegates had to include members of the general population — provided they knew enough civics and general US history to not be dead weight. The idea of limiting the number of people who could be lawyers or people with political or economic clout is surprising. The selection committee said it was important that all facets of society got to have an equal voice at the table since all would be impacted.
Now that I’m actually packing my two allowed bags (helpfully supplied by Uncle Sam), adhering to a lengthy list of prohibited items, it’s hitting me that I’m sort of going off to Constitution prison.
From what we were told at our induction, we will be located in a high-security compound in the middle of nowhere. Once we enter, we cannot leave except for personal medical emergencies that can’t be handled on-site. Even then, the person allowed to leave will be sequestered until the delegates are released. We will be isolated from the outside world for the duration — no communication in or out by any means. There will also be an anti-spying umbrella over us. We will be there for at least four months unless we agree to a document. After four months, our progress will be evaluated and we will either continue or the convention will be collapsed.
So, yeah. A lot like a prison. What have I gotten myself into?
