Alexandria, VA – One thing that most people around the world can say about America – we Americans are the major-league pros when it comes to discontent. And when it comes to protest, demonstrations, marches, assemblies, and sometimes even riots – well, nobody does it better.
After the Boston Tea Party, the British Crown felt we needed proper adult supervision, so they created the Intolerable Acts (that’s what we called them), which eliminated our control over the port of Boston, sidelined Massachusetts self-government, squashed the Impartial Administration of Justice, and started quartering British troops in our buildings.
Have you noticed that, of late, winter has been becoming the “revolutionary season” on our American calendar? July 4 may be our Independence Day, but maybe it’s the cold, gray, dreary days of winter that seem to bring out our revolutionary spirit.[i]
According to many noteworthy historical sources, there have been some 40+ major “revolts” over the course of our history. So, in that true revolutionary spirit, I am adding to that list – my own personal “revolt.”
I feel violated by a number of events, societal trends, practices, philosophies, and even “career” fields.
Over the holidays my wife and I flew back to the United States from France to visit family and friends. The following are observations from an expat who has been away for a while.
Airports have become factories of sound pollution – places where useless information is constantly blasted into the airspace and floods our ears. Gate announcements about boarding have gone beyond absurdity. I’m in many frequent flier programs but my boarding pass says I’m almost always in Group 17.[ii] Do I need to hear boarding announcements covering every color in the light spectrum or every gemstone known to mankind? Add to that the gate ticketing announcements feverishly talking over the airport announcements and the cacophony is a symphony of echoing, chaotic drivel at 85 decibels.
Hey, Secretary of Transportation – a suggestion. How about getting rid of the “Security” announcements? I think that since 9/11 we know to keep an eye on our bags at all times. We got it. And you have to have come from Galaxy Alessandra 47 to not know that smoking is prohibited just about everywhere on planet Earth by now. And we already know that the flight is full. They’re always full, so don’t worry about that one either.
To all the state governments, a quick suggestion: When we cross a border, do we really need to know who the governor is? If you’re driving into the state, chances are pretty good you don’t vote there, so why bother? Save a buck or two.
The new career field of “Influencer.” I have yet to discern the difference between an influencer and an advertising representative, multi-level marketer, or propagandist. I’m confused how this field will solve world hunger, cure cancer, or ensure peace for all mankind. But I grew up in the 60s.
Finally, I have endured the painful hijacking of the English language. Social media click bait uses words like jaw-dropping, game-changing, shocking, trending, fierce, toxic, literally, and intense – when they simply aren’t.
But like I said, I grew up in the 60s. We tried to stop a war, solve world hunger, and save the planet. We were revolutionary back then. Today, I guess, the times they are a-changin’.
[i] If Christmas brings out the Grinch in some of us, then it’s winter that brings out the grumbling, cold, insular core to the forefront. No wonder people are just plain grumpy this time of year.
[ii] As any government contractor knows, we get all those good deals like free business-class airfare, sumptuous meals, and luxury hotels. Our trips usually contain the words Economy Seat 49F, McDonald’s, and Holiday Inn Express.
