Hacking data bases, computer systems and email seem to be
topics of large interest these days. What is being said, by whom, to whom, and
for what purpose is all the rage. And the interest, embarrassment and political
gains to be made from sharing such information is driving the topic.
I think this is too bad. We assume privacy is a right. I’m
not sure it is a right. I would like to be provided the courtesy of privacy. I
doubt what I’m thinking and saying is of much interest to others. I write a
letter to my granddaughter who is spending a couple of weeks at music camp. Are
their people who really want to know what I’m saying in that letter? Or her
response? What about my letters to my 101 year old mother? She is too old to
respond, so the correspondence is one-way and awkward. Do you want to be a
witness to that? And if so, how much time to you really have on your hands?
The National Security Agency (NSA) is reported to screen
most electronic communications coming to and from the USA . Can you
imagine that?! I realize their computer systems are doing the scanning and
screening, looking for specific words or phrases that might contain language
involving a threat to the nation. But really; think of it. Every communication
passing through some Ethernet screening software; billions and trillions of
messages. How utterly boring. How can this be of any value to anyone?
Well, let’s say it is of use, just for argument sake!
I know Secretary of State John Kerry thinks his emails are
most likely being read by China
and Russia
on a regular basis. Instead of feeling violated, however, I think this is
terrific! Think about it. Kerry has the inner ear of China
and Russia .
If they truly are listening in, be honest and let them know what you feel would
ease international pressures and what they all should be working on for lasting
peace! What a concept. Rather than be hesitant or secretive, why not try plain
old honesty and directness?
We could possibly cut light years from the diplomatic
process! We might even find things of mutual interest upon which we can craft a
great relationship of cooperation and collaboration.
When you reflect on modern day communications and what we
fill it with day in and day out, it amazes me that positive developments do
occur at all. Just think of the program material on public television channels
these days. And cable networks. The mind reels with the junk that we sift
through to find something of interest and value.
I bet there is similar junk filling our email and office
video channels, too. Gossip is one such filler of time and space. Jokes, too.
And then there are office politics and the social side stepping involved in not
making someone mad. Here too is an opportunity for dealing directly with our
communication partners.
If we organize our thoughts, clarify our statements, and
move forward toward mutual understanding and respect, might we expect better
results from our working together?
All this snooping might be proving something we should have
been doing all along. Speak loudly and clearly. Think kindly upon those you
wish to build understanding among. Then state your interests clearly and
directly. Ask for the same in return. Then work on the stumbling blocks that
normally stifle agreement. Work on it a bit more until the agreement is
reached.
Voila! Such a masterful step in the right direction.
Maybe Wikileaks was a good thing? And the other
whistle blowers? What does Angela Merkel’s communication contain that would be
embarrassing to her or the United
States ? I bet not much.
So, we have work to do. Let’s get to it with open minds and
clear voices. And emails!
August 14, 2015
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