A few weeks ago I received a notice ordering me to appear for jury duty. I was more than willing to go as it is my civic duty and an important part of our justice system. The notice stated that I was to arrive promptly at 8:30 a.m. For the first hour 25 of us watched television. Then we saw a 15-minute video explaining what jury duty entails. Then we watched the Price Is Right and Let's Make a Deal.

At 12:30 p.m. we were called to the courtroom and after 15 minutes we were told to go to lunch and return at 2 p.m. Upon returning, groups of five of us were ushered to rooms and waited over an hour. Finally I was interviewed and told that I was not chosen.

Oh, did I mention that we were told if your employer did not pay you for the day you were eligible to receive a whopping $20. If you had to pay for child care you would get an additional $5. What a deal!

I think the state needs a lesson on time management and the true cost of wages lost and child care.