Category Archives: Culture

A False Sense of Security

Culture

 

There are days when I keep asking, “Where is George Carlin when we really need him?”  Carlin’s legacy was his ability to identify and call out “bullshit” by closely observing and analyzing human behavior.  One of his favorite targets was airport security.  Although I do not know this as a fact, I’m relatively confident Carlin was the reason we are no longer asked those two famous questions when checking in.  Here is Carlin’s take on the subject.

“Did you pack your bags yourself?”

“No, Carrot Top packed my bags. He and Martha Stewart and Florence Henderson came over to the house last night, fixed me a lovely lobster Newburg, gave me a full body massage with sacred oils from India, performed a four-way ‘around-the-world,’ and then they packed my bags. Next question.”

“Have your bags been in your possession the whole time?”

“No. Usually the night before I travel—just as the moon is rising—I place my suitcases out on the street corner and leave them there, unattended, for several hours. Just for good luck.”

Earlier this week I had a George Carlin “false sense of security” moment.  I wanted to delete a device which I no longer use from my AT&T wireless account.  I was prepared to navigate the automated answering service which gives you every option except the one you need.  I wasn’t even surprised when the agent who finally answered my call informed me he needed to transfer me to a different department.  What came next is what finally drove me to consider anger management classes.

Here is an accurate (though not necessarily verbatim) transcript of our conversation.

Agent: It appears you have not set up a security code.

Me:  I’ve never had to use one.  All I want to do is drop a device from my wireless account.

Agent:  I can’t do that without a security code.

Me:  But I don’t have one.

Agent:  I can take care of that.  I am going to send you a six digit code.  I will text it to your phone and when you tell me what it is, I’ll know you are the account holder and can take care of your request.

Me:  (after a brief pause to avoid saying something I would later regret)  Let me get this straight.  You have my name, address, birthday, last four digits of my social security number, my mother’s maiden name and the name of my first pet.  These are things no one else could reasonably expect to have.  But that is not enough.  You’re going to text me a code number.  What if I just stole the phone from the owner?  I will get your text and you will assume I am the legitimate account holder.  You do realize this makes no sense.

Agent: I’m sorry if you feel inconvenienced, but we are doing this to protect our customers.

Me:  (what I wanted to say) Are you shitting me? It’s less protection than the old system.

Me: (what I actually said)  All I want to do is delete a device from my account.  Text me the code.

I understand many people believe we are on the brink of destruction by foreigners and 400 pound hackers accessing our email from their parents’ basement.  However, experiences like this make we wonder of whom we should be more afraid.

For what it’s worth.
Dr. ESP

Carrie Fisher & UN Resolution 2334

Culture, Media

 

Star Wars has a special meaning for me and my wife.  We went to see The Empire Strikes Back the day we got married in 1980.  We own a copy of the original Star Wars trilogy and watch Episode V every July 11th if we are home.  So you can imagine yesterday’s announcement Carrie Fisher had passed away saddened us greatly.

Upon returning home from a short vacation, I turned on CNN hoping there would be reminders of the hours of enjoyment Fisher provided through her films, books and too infrequent appearances on talk shows.  I was not disappointed.  Besides the usual, easy to access clips from Star Wars, her other movies, the one woman show Wishful Drinking and assorted TV appearances, I was amazed at the length the CNN research team had gone to in order to present a full picture of a life cut short.

CNN had even obtained a copy of a then relatively unknown 19 year old’s first audition tape for the role of Princess Leia.  Seated in a wooden chair across from Harrison Ford, Fisher delivers her lines with a much stronger British accent than used during filming.  The CNN commentator parsed the video to explain why Fisher’s audition vaulted her ahead of other well known actors such as Jodie Foster who were also being considered for the part.

Although the headline for almost every on-line and broadcast obituary referenced her iconic role as Princess Leia, each seemed to go out of its way to make readers and viewers understand Carrie Fisher was no one-hit wonder.  She was a talented performer and writer of both books and screenplays.  She was a fighter who constantly battled depression and prescription drug additions to share her talents and experiences with the world.

STOP!  I can hear one of the students in my imagination class interrupt.  “Okay, professor.  We know you are a big Star Wars fan.  And we know you were saddened by Leia’s passing.  But what does that have to do with a UN resolution condemning Israel for building settlements on occupied territory on the West Bank?”  My reply, “It’s just one more example of looking for relationships between seemingly unrelated things and how that relationship helps you understand both issues better.”

Twice over the past four days, I had friends express their anger at Obama’s decision to abstain rather than veto Security Council Resolution 2334.  Their opinion were unsolicited.  We were not talking politics or international affairs at the time.  Maybe they knew I was an Obama supporter and just wanted to hear how I, a Jewish-American, could defend the president.  I listened politely without showing my cards largely because, even though I did have an opinion, I was unsure of the facts which might support my perspective.  Above all, I had not read the full text of the resolution.

And that is when I realized the connection between Carrie Fisher and SC2334.  While print and broadcast media went to extremes to help us understand the entirety of her life, the news associated with the U.S. abstention was painted with a broad, emotional brush.  Media were more interested in exploring the animosity between President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu or the tension between the out-going and in-coming administration.  Little if any time was spent on UN Ambassador Susan Powers’ detailed explanation of the vote including on-going concerns about both Israeli and Palestinian roadblocks to a lasting peace.  And in most cases, the actual text of the resolution was no where to be found or referenced in American media accounts.

Yes, SC2334 condemned construction of additional settlements in violation of existing UN resolutions dating back to 2003.  But it also contained the following language.

Recalling also the obligation under the Quartet roadmap for the Palestinian Authority Security Forces to maintain effective operations aimed at confronting all those engaged in terror and dismantling terrorist capabilities, including the confiscation of illegal weapons,

Condemning all acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terror, as well as all acts of provocation, incitement and destruction,

Reiterating its vision of a region where two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders.

How many of the most ardent critics of the President’s decision not to veto SC2334 are aware of this language?  If only the media would put the same time and effort into explaining a complex geopolitical issue as they do unraveling the history of a cultural icon.

For what it’s worth.
Dr. ESP

 

On Becoming an UNREAL American

Culture, Politics

 

Today, the electoral college will more than likely affirm Donald Trump as the 45th occupant of the White House.  He will not, however, be MY president.  Why?  Because on Saturday, Mr. Trump decided people like me are not REAL Americans.  Therefore, my non-recognition of his executive authority is by his choice, not mine.

At his final “thank you tour” rally in Mobile, Alabama, Trump told the audience you are the true “patriots” and “We are really who love this country.”  (Source, Associated Press, December 17, 2016) In Trump world, I am a persona non grata.  I must admit this came as quite a surprise to someone with three degrees in political science, including courses in constitution law and a focus in American institutions, and 13 years in public service.  Throughout my educational experience and years in government, I thought I gained a pretty good understanding of what it meant to be an American.

Now I find myself trying to figure out what it means to be an UNREAL American, who by having rejected Trump’s candidacy, is not a patriot and does not really love my country.  Ironically, I find it much easier to articulate the tenets of my new status than my national standing pre-2016.

As an UNREAL American:

I believe United States sovereignty is critical to national stability.  This includes national elections.  But as a member of the global community, we often need to join with other nations to resolve issues which have no geographic boundaries such as climate change and terrorism.

I believe defense policy should be designed and implemented by civilians (e.g. Secretaries of State, Defense and Homeland Security) and military strategy by generals (i.e. the Joint Chiefs of Staff).

I believe it is unconscionable to accuse a political opponent of a crime (e.g. mishandling classified information) and then nominate someone for National Security Adviser (Michael Flynn) who inappropriately shared classified information with foreign military officers (Washington Post, December 12, 2016). Or consider someone for Secretary of State (David Petraeus) who was convicted of passing classified information to his mistress.

I have more faith in assessments by the United States intelligence community than the former head of the Soviet KGB.

I believe addressing current and future problems does not lie in time-worn solutions. American innovation is not just about new products and commerce.  It can also be harnessed to respond to social issues such as structural unemployment, poverty and education.

I believe hard working individuals deserve a living wage even if it costs me a few dollars more at the mall or a restaurant or on Amazon.

I continue to support the concept of an electoral college.  It is to elections what the filibuster is in the United States Senate.  It protects the rights of the minority from domination by the majority.  I understand the anger of voters in the South, Rust Belt and Plains States who believe national politics has been dominated by representatives from the two coasts.  And they may be right.  However, I believe it is a disservice to suggest valid economic concerns and hyped fears are caused by scapegoats such as immigrants and Muslims.

I do not believe climate change is a Chinese hoax as evidenced by today’s “red alert” during which Beijing authorities stopped production at 700 companies and restricted use of private cars in the country’s northern provinces. (ABC News)  I doubt China would cripple its own economy in response to a hoax.

I believe it is appropriate for anyone to wish anyone else “Merry Christmas” on December 25th.  For the other 61 days between Halloween and New Years Day, “Seasons Greetings” or “Happy Holidays” recognizes and honors the religious and cultural diversity guaranteed by the First Amendment.  “Happy Holidays” is not a battle cry in a manufactured “war against Christmas.”

I believe the fact 41.5 percent of eligible voters did not vote in the 2016 presidential election, for whatever reason, is an affront to those who have fought and died to protect our right to govern ourselves.

As the parent of a daughter who is a captain in the United State Air Force and who has been twice deployed, I have a newly found appreciation for those who serve which I sadly did not have during the Vietnam era.  Through our concern for her safety, I have learned Purple Hearts are earned, not just handed out, and that Gold Star families deserve to be honored and embraced.

I believe my fellow countrymen have a right to protect themselves and enjoy recreational hunting under the Second Amendment.  However, I also believe we should care as much about citizens owning “weapons of mass destruction” (i.e. semi-automatic weapons) as we do about WMDs by foreign adversaries.

I would rather have a president who concedes he has lust in his heart (Jimmy Carter) than one who believes he is entitled to grab a woman’s private parts without her permission.

You know what.  I’m starting to feel damn proud to be an UNREAL American.  And I’m pretty sure I am not alone.  Maybe it’s time to form an UNREAL American political party which reaches out to all current and future residents of the United States who sense they are not recognized as Americans in Trump world.  The experience could be, “UNREAL.”

For what it’s worth.
Dr. ESP

 

So You Want To Be President

Culture, Politics

 

Consider the following.  There are approximately 231 million American citizens of voting age.  In the recent presidential election, approximately 96 million (41.5 percent) did not cast a ballot in the presidential election.  Not much of a rousing endorsement of America’s democratic process.

In a November 8 article in the New York Times titled “Millions on Election Day Make a Different Decision: Not Voting,” reporter Campbell Robertson lists a number of reasons behind low voter turnout ranging from voter suppression efforts to just being too busy or too lazy to make the effort.  But that does not explain a higher level of under-voting for president than in past elections (ballots cast for lower offices but not for president). For Catherine Bonneville, it was a conscious decision based on principle.

“I voted for sheriff. I voted for senator. I voted for county recorder and for judges,” Ms. Bonneville said. “I couldn’t in good conscience vote for president.”

You know the reasons.  Politicians are all alike. They will say anything to get your vote.  They flip-flop on the issues depending on the audience.  Whether or not there was a moral equivalency between the degree to which the two major party nominees fit these stereotypes is not important.  Both provided enough fodder to make it hard to argue with these widely held assessments.

Donald Trump railed against unfair competition from China but exploited foreign, low-cost labor to manufacture his own products.  He claimed to be a champion of the working class while stiffing contractors who worked on his hotels and casinos.  He proclaimed himself to be an evangelical yet violated the central tenet of biblicism by committing adultery and bearing false witness.  Trump was also charged with being a hypocrite for his multiple pro-choice and pro-life stances.

Hillary Clinton ran into similar criticism for her use of the term “super-predators” in a 1996 speech when referring to youth who committed gang related crimes.  (It should be noted the speech did not refer specifically to African-American youth though many, including the leadership of Black Lives Matter, felt it was implied.)  Likewise, Clinton had to reconcile what appeared to be a flip-flop on the Tran-Pacific Partnership.  Her multiple explanations for needing a private email server raised questions about the veracity of any of them.

Trump and Clinton supporters attempted to justify their candidate’s positions and behaviors by suggesting their nominee had “evolved on the issues” or “voters should not hold someone to actions a long time in their past.”  The cynic in me has to disagree.  Do these people expect us to automatically forget the past or accept political expediency?  Shouldn’t we expect more of those we choose to lead our nation?

As is my habit, I turned to movies to better understand this issue. I was reminded of a story from the film Now You See Me.  Explaining what it takes to become a member of “The Eye,” a society of the world’s greatest magicians, one of the characters presents the example of Lionel Shrike and the trick which earned him the honor of becoming part of this secret fraternity.


When he was 14, he saw a hole in a tree in Central Park. He had a guy, who worked at the carousel, sign a card for what looked like a routine little trick. At the guy’s retirement, 18 years later, Shrike performs, has the guy sign a card and presto! The card is in the tree. It was in the tree for 18 years.

The trick was not to look closely. It was to look so far that you see 20 years into the past.

Isn’t this a lesson for future presidential candidates?  View what you say and do today in terms of how it will be used 20 years or more in the future.  Only then should you expect voters to accept you as a paragon of moral consistency, not a captive of political expediency.  Perhaps, Americans might also welcome a renewed imperative to exercise their franchise to vote.

For what it’s worth.
Dr. ESP

 

Giving America the (Foam) Finger

Culture, Politics, Sports

 

Several pundits attributed the Trump victory to a desire by many Americans to voice their dissatisfaction with the establishment on both sides of the aisle. In politically incorrect terms, voters were giving the liberal and conservative establishment “the finger.” It did not matter if it was a direct vote for Trump or protest votes for Gary Johnson, Jill Stein or (in Nevada) None of the Above.

Saturday night, I realized they are half right.  At the end of the Big Ten football championship, Penn State fans were giving us the finger also.  Except, in this case, it was a big foam “We’re #1” index finger.  Their goal?  To convince members of the College Football Playoff selection committee to include the Nittany Lions in the championship tournament.  Equally important is what they didn’t say.  No one was making the argument based on the aggregate performance of the Big Ten conference or strength of schedule.  The message was clear and simple. We  won the championship game. “We’re #1.”

That’s when I understood it is also in America’s DNA to be #1, in sports, in business and in the geopolitical arena.  And that’s why a candidate who advocated “America First” won the hearts and minds of enough voters to become the 45th president.  Being “Stronger Together” is not good enough. Trump voters want to be #1.  PERIOD.

The Penn State analogy explains something else.  When being #1 is the only criteria for success, fans are willing to forgive a few indiscretions.  Saturday night there was no mention of Jerry Sandusky or Papa Joe.  Penn State faithful wanted the controversy surrounding the university’s honoring Joe Paterno on the 50th anniversary of his first game as head coach during the September 17 home game to be just a memory.

Being #1 is clearly in Donald Trump’s DNA.  After 9/11, he bragged that his Wall Street property was now the tallest building in south Manhattan.  His hotels and golf courses have to be superior to any others.  “The Apprentice” could only have one winner (compared to “Shark Tank” where any worthy concept has a chance of being funded).  And he constantly reminds us he surrounds himself with the “best” people.  On election night, it would have been more appropriate for Trump to trade in his “Make America Great Again” ball cap for a red, white and blue foam finger proclaiming, “We’re #1.”

And just like Penn State, any transgressions in the past are forgotten.  Trumps conspiracy theories, insults, twitter tantrums and broken promises (e.g. releasing his tax returns) do not matter.  He is #1.  The consequences of policies and programs which focus primarily on a promise to make America  #1 in a global society are yet to be seen.

While boasting of being at the top Saturday night made Penn State fans feel good in the moment, raising the #1 foam finger did not get Penn State into the playoffs. And Paterno’s obituary in the State College, Pennsylvania newspaper still reminds us how Papa Joe was dismissed as head coach for turning a blind eye when informed of Sandusky’s criminal behavior.  The incoming president could learn a lot from the Penn State experience.  Above all, being #1 can be both fleeting and delusional.

For what it’s worth.
Dr. ESP