Juan’s Deliveries
It was another dark Tuesday morning. Once again, Juan arrived in the Vos de la Gente headquarters alley at four-thirty am.
The routine was that Juan would change into a postal worker’s uniform, climb into a waiting USPS delivery truck, drive to a pre-determined location, and wait.
There were several different locations, but the delivery generally took less than twenty minutes. Once safely back at the Voz de la Gente headquarters, Juan changed into his street clothes, and the real mailman got his truck back.
Tio Pablo was waiting for him, “Good morning, Señor Torres!" Pablo bellowed the greeting through the inevitable haze of cigar smoke that seemed to cling to his uncle's ponderous frame. His use of the honorific 'Señor Torres,’ instead of just his first name, communicated to the whole crew that Juan was a man of importance. Perhaps Juan was destined one day to run the whole operation. Pablo was getting his crew accustomed to the idea.
Juan was getting accustomed to it, too. He used to feel uneasy as Pablo counted out the hundred-dollar bills into his palm, but now he rather enjoyed the routine. I deserve this, he thought. I’m the one taking all the risks.
“We’re getting a good price on tortillas,” Pablo guffawed. “Business is very good!”
Juan never counted the money Pablo handed him, at least not while anyone was watching. There will be plenty of time for that later, he thought. Pablo usually paid him thousands of dollars per delivery. Why not? I’m hauling millions of dollars in ballots for him.
Later, after the crew left and there was no one to show off for, Juan and Pablo shared their customary tequila shots. Pablo explained the 'family business.'
“You must always remember this sobrino,” Pablo confided. “Voting is a business. It’s like any other. You have customers, and you have suppliers. Your job is to arrange the delivery and negotiate the price. Understand?”
Juan nodded, eager to learn, “And the Democrats are our customers, right? That’s how we’re going to get Joe Biden elected again?”
Pablo slapped the side of Juan’s head, “Estupido! Haven’t you been listening? Who cares about Democrats or Republicans? They are customers. Customers! Nothing more.”
How Does this Experience Change Juan?
Choose Option 1: Learn About the Organization
Choose Option 2: Lose Faith in the System