Too Cool for School

Yesterday I had to get past the most powerful man in America and I won.

Now I know what you're thinking, "President Bush wasn't in Houston this week!" Well you're right, he wasn't. But, contrary to popular belief, he is not the most powerful man in America. The U.S. Marshall guarding the security checkpoint at the downtown Federal Courthouse is, in fact, the Supreme Ruler. This man weilds power like no other.

Let me give you a little bit of perspective on this. I am a journalist. Furthermore, I am a broadcast journalist, which means I use a microphone and recording device as essential parts of my daily work. However, no recording equipment is allowed past security. Ever. Which means for the Enron trials, immigrant smuggling trial etc. I was forced to check my bag at the desk and sit in the courtroom rendered broadcast impotent. Or I could stand outside with my mic ready and miss everything going on inside. This rule stands for everyone...until now.

Yesterday I received special, written permission from the Chief Judge of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals to bring my microphone and recorder inside the building and record my little heart out! The U.S. Marshall HAD to let me through! Seriously people, this is probably the first time in modern history that anyone has been permitted to do this. I was in reporter heaven. I wandered around the halls and rooms, mic boldly displayed for all to see. I'm getting choked up just thinking about it...