Where is everybody? The streets appeared to be deserted in the fair town of Hailey. Everyone seemed to be at home. I had driven down to talk with people on the street about the results of the latest election at 4:20 in the afternoon, but there's no one around. I saw a man going into a convenience store. I parked my car, went inside, spotted the man at the check-out stand and overheard the following conversation as the store clerk went over his purchases:
Clerk: O.K., four Tootsie Rolls, two boxes of Dots, M&M's, Cheetos, Yoo-hoo six-pack, jelly beans, gum drops, glazed doughnuts, three two-liter Pepsis, popcorn and seven hot nachos. Is that everything?
Man: Wha--?
Clerk: Is that everything?
Man: No, it's not everything, there's so much more.
Clerk: Well, where is it?
Man: You've got to look around. Look inside yourself.
Clerk: Yeah, whatever. Do you want something else?
Man: Well, sure, but one can't have everything. Where would I put it?
Clerk: All right, pal, that'll be $37.50.
Man: That's nothing. Here's $40. Give the rest to the Hailey Hemp Ranch.
Clerk: No gas today?
Man: I'm above it. I ride a bike to spite the OPEC cartel.
Clerk: Fine, have a nice day.
Man: What does that mean?
Spa: Excuse me, sir. May I ask you a few questions about the last election?
Man: Election?
Spa: Yes. It was reported that three out of four of the marijuana reform initiatives were passed by the voters here in Hailey.
Man: They were?
Spa: Well, yes. Didn't you vote Tuesday?
Man: Tuesday...
Spa: Yes.
Man: I don't recall.
Spa: You don't know whether or not you voted on Tuesday?
Man: No, and don't be so accusatory.
Spa: Sorry, but I don't understand why you ...
Man: There are many things we don't understand.
Spa: So you didn't vote.
Man: Perhaps.
Spa: Thank you for your time.
Man: It's all that I have.
Well, not everybody voted on the four initiatives. If they did, maybe all four would have passed?
Nice talking to you.
