interesting train ride

Yesterday's train ride home was definitely a first.

Normally, when i'm riding the train at 10 pm all I want to do is either read or sleep - as I'm sure most of the other regular commuters would. And normally, I would be filled with disdain at being an IVER (involuntary eavesdropper) to the loud and at times drunken conversations of non-regular commuters who probably, unlike me, do not have to wake up 6 hours later.  Last night, though, was different.  in the midst of trying to read my magazine, a heated conversation calls my attention.  It was coming from across the aisle a few rows ahead from three people, 2 men and a lady seating on those seats that face each other.  It sounded like they were arguing, but upon listening closely, it seemed like they actually were not.  I strain to hear and catch the words: racial profiling and voting and checks and balances.  What the hell are these people talking about??? They don't seem to know each other..."I am a Republican and I am very conservative," one of the guys suddenly and passionately declares.  By now, they've caught the attention of nearly all the people around them... "I am all for the Patriot Act and for racial profiling," the Republican says. To this, his two counterparts - whom I deduced were probably not Republicans and apparently did not share the same fondness for the Patriot Act nor racial profiling - responded adamantly. Needless to say, they exchanged views and carried on until we reached Jamaica where the two men got off.  Before leaving, though, they all acknowledged that everything was cool with no hard feelings and how genuinely delightful their conversation was. One of them even remarked, "I would love to continue this conversation..." gosh, and I think there might have been an exchange of numbers.

The lady who was inevitably left behind was now being engaged by two other ladies seated across the aisle from her.  They must have commented on the just finished, socio-political discussion because she said, "I've never had this happen before," and went on to say how amazed and shocked she was.

I must agree.  This definitely is the first time I got treated to such an intellectually stimulating and informative spectacle on the train. It was surprisingly fascinating and it sure made that ride home a more interesting one.