There is a new weapon of mass destruction – a data dump. The latest from WikiLeaks has staffers all over Washington and beyond pouring over the result of the latest data dump. What a distraction. First Bristol Palin on Dancing with the Stars and now this. We’ve had enough distractions, thanks.
The story of 6 GIs being shot by someone in Afghanistan posing as a policeman was almost obliterated by the WikiLeaks awe factor. The President is too busy reading WikiLeaks so he can’t make it to the microphone to address the issue; Hillary spoke out – even sounding like the President when she uttered the memorable phrase “Let me be clear.” Yes, she did it.
To me, to review these documents would be like reading someone else’s class notes: you missed the lecture so you don’t have the context. No matter how clear the document, it will be out of context. That’s how data dumps are.
A truly open, transparent government is not only potentially dangerous, it takes far too much of the average citizen’s time to review the output of any administration. At some point we have to trust that what is being done is both morally and lawfully correct and in our best interest.
And just imagine all of the backup tapes and etc. that are at Stone Mountain or other storage facilities. All of this “stuff” preserved for the ages. No one in the future will have any more time to go through all of this output than we have had. Time’s up. Everyone back to their lives. WikiLeaks wins when we panic and go off course. When we hunker down and just continue to lead our lives around WikiLeaks rather that through it, that is when we win.
©On My Watch…the writings of SamHenry. Registration pending.
carldagostino
November 30, 2010
At some point we have to trust what is being done…” I want to be able to do this. But can any of us? It sure seems it is supposed to be that way,but…. My God. Republicans on on the crest of recent victories and have shot themselves in foot against extending unemployment. Seems like two parties exchange the costume of the devil weekly. My daughter is a mere waitress. There are three kids with boyfriend. No construction work. They will now be evicted from their apartment without that check. They can’t move in with me. Not enough room and aged parents could not handle it. It has really hit home for me and mine, Sam. This is beyond desperate. I used to be in the discussions and debates batting around solutions and possibilities but I don’t have anything to offer anymore but exasperation.
samhenry
November 30, 2010
I hear you Carl. I fear that so many without funds is not only damaging to the economy and to the people themselves but may be a source of instability in the nation. The cessation of the unemployment would not – could not have happened without Democratic help. We are back to our religious and Not for profits helping but that does not keep people in their homes. This is a chess game. Apparently the Republicans don’t want the money here they want it somewhere else and perhaps that somewhere else will generate jobs that will keep people employed longer than unemployment checks could last. It may be the dark before the dawn. We can only hope so. What is going on now has not worked or made for growth. We must all help each other in ways we have not before and to a degree that makes sacrifice a daily event for everyone. I run the risk of losing my home but I just keep fighting every day to delay it. Writing helps chase away the blues as it were. I have a lovely home. If I lose it, I will not be in such lovely circumstances. I have the cheapest living right here. I pray I get a job before Christmas and that it works out. So we are all in it together, Carl. And yes, we do need to start trusting someone sometime and somewhere. If we don’t, then we have lost our very souls. We are so used to looking at “what’s in it for me.” This time around, it may be best to think “what’s in it for us.”
carldagostino
November 30, 2010
I am fortunate to have modest pension and social security but my life savings in in my townhouse condo. It’s paid for but I could lose it too because a third not paying maintenance and place about to collapse. If we can’t pay the water, the place will be condemned and all will be evicted by county authorities . We are in together. My mother’s teacher provided her with a coat in 1933 and my father wore his uncle’s too large shoes stuffed with newspaper. They are serene. Mother says “We’ll find a way.” I’ll be able to throw a few hundred dollars a month to my two kids as well. It is time to draw on the strength of our Pilgrim fathers. We survived Valley Forge once. We’ll do it again. In our few conversations I have determined you are of this ilk. We have an advantage over many because that spirit prevails.
samhenry
December 1, 2010
Yes, I am of that ilk. And thank you.
DarcsFalcon
December 1, 2010
WikiLeaks is in some ways like a huge distraction. It causes me to wonder what the WH is doing while we’re all looking at this stuff.
I’m so sorry to hear of your situation dear one. I didn’t realize it was so precarious. I know how it feels, having “been there done that” myself. I’ll be keeping you in my prayers. *hugs*
blackwatertown
December 1, 2010
Good point re who knows what else is being got up to behind the fog of wikileaks – maybe wikileaks will tell us some ime in the future.
Also a shame that this news is squeezing out the deaths of those service people in Afghanistan from public attention. That’s real.
Sorry for all your families’ troubles in these tough times. (if only blogging paid, you prolific posters would be onto a winner.)
samhenry
December 1, 2010
Thanks, Roo, for all you do to make me feel worthwhile on this unquiet planet. What the “H” ever happened to the “Age of Aquarius”? Even though you were in knickers the song began “When the moon is in the 7th house and Jupiter aligns with Mars, then peace will guide the planets and love will steer the stars.” I miss the 1950s when your main teen age goal was cruising the hamburger joints to see who else was out in Dad’s car buying burgers with change Dad had left in his pants pockets. I used to rifle his closet…. When I hear the dates in the 1960s, I think “modern.” HA HA. Oh, I have lived through a lot and will survive somehow. Meanwhile, as Auntie Mame used to say: “Life’s a banquet and most poor slobs are starving to death.”
samhenry
December 1, 2010
Thank you for your endless friendship and kindness, DF. It bouys me. You and DK have been wonderful. I just carry on each day as if I will be here forever and try to push it out of my mind. You can’t live with the burden of the unknown day in, day out.
Mountain Republic
December 1, 2010
The DHS just seized control of 82 domains during the Thanksgiving holiday to curb piracy & prevent “file sharing”. Everyone knows what a threat bootlegged music files & women’s handbags are to national security.
Why didn’t the DNS shut down the site after the FIRST Wikileaks dump? This 2nd dump of files has been threatened for months, why wait until after the second time it happens to limit access?
Just another day at the Department of Homeland Stupidity.
MR
samhenry
December 1, 2010
ROFL – This is why I say it isn’t just incompetence and dithering, it is purposeful to hold back. MR, you should be writing a column somewhere.