Perseverance — Page 172
172 – the story of al-haj Rashid ahmad american Later that morning after the sunrise, I went to the Saxton City Hall to apply for a peddler’s license. They told me that there was no such thing as a peddler’s license. I then asked if a man could sell without a license. They said no and that I would have to see the mayor. In jest they suggested that I proceed to visit the mayor. I waited until the mayor came. Someone had informed the mayor that a strange turban wearing man wanted to see him. He walked towards his office, took one look at me, and continued walking into his office. He then sat down inside and said aloud, “Is there someone out there who wants to see me?!” The municipal worker said, “Yes, this man here. ” The mayor said, “Send him in. ” When I entered his office, I asked him for a peddler’s license. He was very shocked and asked why I would want to see him for a peddler’s license. I informed him that I tried elsewhere and they sent me to him. He suggested that we see the Attorney General together. The mayor and I walked through the town center together to get to the Attorney General’s office. It must have been a strange sight in that town to see the white mayor, walking alongside a black man wearing a turban! The Attorney General asked what we wanted and after being told, he said that a peddler’s license would cost $5 per day. I responded that $5 per day times 30 days, is $150 a month. That 12 times a year would be $1,800 and there’s no license for peddling that’s that expensive. However, the Attorney General said that I would have to pay every single day and if I missed a day, that should be the day I’m not in town anymore. I agreed to pay the daily rate but as I left the