PDX Urban Outdoorsman

     So last night I was coming back from a meeting in north Portland on the MAX train.  Since I was broke I had not paid the fare.  When The train stopped at Mississippi avenue fare inspectors entered the train and I quickly departed the other end.  I was almost off the platform when one of the inspectors called out to me wanting to see proof of payment.  I had a choice at this point, I could either lie about the fare machine not working or tell the truth and hope for the best.  When I was younger I would have attempted the lie but today I know better.

     The officer asked why I did not have the fare.  My response was plain and simple, “I just don’t have it.  I’m broke and needed to get somewhere and rode the train without paying”  The officer told me that was about as honest as it gets and did not ask for ID but instead gave me a courtesy ticket that was good for an hour to get where I needed to go.  He also told me he did not want to see again that night which sounded like a fantastic idea to me.

     There is a very simple lesson to be learned here and that is those in a position authority are not the enemy. Most police/security/whatever would prefer not have any trouble as much as you or I.  Give an officer respect and you will generally get that same respect in return.  Even if I had received a ticket for the offense I would still feel the same.  Most of my friends have no understanding of my logic no matter how I try to explain it

Sincerely,
Pdxurbanoutdoorsman