I am writing this from Multinet Cybercafé in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Four people, including myself, peer intently into my computer screen, anxious to see what I'll write. Having read this sentence, most of them have looked away, or walked a few steps to the side.
"All rise!" Everyone in the courtroom rises to see the judge approach his stand and sit, presiding over the assembly. All present sit after the judge has done so. "To be decided today: The outcome of the defendant's entries into the web journal Day by Day."
The charges are read: "The defendant is charged with repeated neglect of writing his deepest thoughts in his journal on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, June 23, 24, and 26." The judge asks the defendant, "How do you plead?" "The defendant pleads guilty as charged, your Honor" answers the defense attorney. For many thought-hours, the prosecuting attorney and the defense present the evidence: No entries, for the days the defendant is accused.
[After a few instants of random deliberation, the jury of my neurons decides on a quick verdict.]
"Has the jury reached a verdict" asks the judge. "Yes, your honor." Answers the foreman. "The accused will compose and publish a short essay on the importance of communication. The essay will be posted as his Saturday entry into the journal."
The audience gasps at this cruel sentence. "Order" demands the Judge dryly. On the way out of the courtroom, the defendant, Aaron Ortiz, refused to comment