Dear Thirty-Something Woman I Don't Know Sitting at the Table at the Sandwich Shop with the Thirty-Something Man I Don't Know Several Days Ago:
I should have saved you.
My friend JH and I were sitting at an adjacent table. And during lulls in our conversation, while I was savoring my potato soup, I couldn't help but hear bits and pieces of the conversation taking place at your table.
Well, maybe "conversation" isn't the best word to describe what was taking place. Perhaps "attempt at indoctrination" would be more apt. In so far as we could tell, you scarcely said a word for more than half an hour.
Between bites of my turkey-and-provolone on whole wheat, I heard several of the tell-tale keywords emanate from the mouth of your companion. Words like "Fed" and "gold standard." I knew instantly what was happening, just as surely as I know that rings around the moon mean rain. Unfortunately, I've had a little bit of experience with these folks.
And I should have acted.
Several times I glanced up and saw your face. Your countenance was one I've seen before - perhaps even worn before - when the subject of a certain Representative from Texas arises. And as minute-after-what must have been excruciating for you - minute went by....as I watched your eyes slowly glass over....as as I began to notice the faintest trace of irritation form in the corner of your eye, all I could think to myself was "Goddammit! Do something! This poor woman is dying over there, no less than if a bite of the salad she's listlessly pushing about her plate was stuck in her throat!"
You were clearly being polite. Perhaps it was a lunch date. Dear God, I hope not.
I should have faked a heart attack. Pulled the fire alarm. Phoned in a bomb threat. JH and I should have extracted you from the situation in the manner of SEALs rescuing hostages.
But we didn't. I didn't. And I feel as though I failed not only you, but myself, and, yes...my country.
And I just want to say, publicly, that I'm sorry. If ever I'm again in a position to prevent such an occurrence, please know I will try to do better.