Tuesday, September 18, 2012
The Hidden Microphone Syndrome
Does it matter what a President or candidate says when he thinks he's talking privately with someone...or with a private group?
Does it matter that someone violated the trust of Mitt Romney and recorded what was supposed to be a private after-dinner Q&A session? Actually, most experts confirmed his "47% of Americans don't pay taxes" answer to a question from the audience - a question that was conveniently omitted by TV and the Village Voice, which broke the story. (Mr. Romney has asked the person who made the recording to release it in its entirety.) And political pollsters say Romney was simply saying what more than half of Americans
think, anyway.
Did it matter that an open microphone caught President Obama saying of a rural Pennsylvania audience that they are attached to their guns and Bibles? Anyone who has ever been anywhere in rural America can vouch for the truth of the statement, even if Obama was speaking in a slightly belittling tone.
Perhaps more important, did it matter that President Obama spoke with Russian President Medvedev while a hidden open microphone recorded his "after the election I'll have more freedom" to negotiate with Russia. Yes...this does matter and is not like the other examples because it suggests a presidential agenda hidden from the American people.
Everyone has private thoughts. Just consider whether you would like to have your most private conversations or e-mails published.
But, we are not President or presidential contenders. I don't fault either Obama or Romney for their tboughts. But I do fault them for being naive. They ought to know better than anyone that their lives are no longer private. Their words and actions and friends and activities are all public. That is the price of admission to the presidential circle. If they do not understand that, then perhaps they are not truly of presidential caliber.
Or perhaps, like Prince William and his Kate, they have learned a very important lesson the hard way and it will make them better repositories of America's faith in her leaders.
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Exactly right on all points.
ReplyDeleteIn today's world all reporters have a cell phone and I'm sure thy are always turned on to record every spoken word.
Take a critical look at the applications of today's cell phone:
1. Take still pictures
2. Take video movies
3. Play music
4. Function as a GPS system
5. Record voices/conversations
6. Can be used as a triggering device to a bomb
7. Receive phone call
8. Send a phone call
So exactly 25% of what a cell phone CAN be used for is actually making/receiving a phone call. The remaining 75% could be dubious at best.
Say nothing that you don't want repeated or recorded.
As Schultzy on Hogan's Heroes said, "I know nothing."
ReplyDeleteNothing is private, everything is in triplicate or more. You said it, they should know they cannot sneeze without the world knowing how many tissues they used and did they cover their mouth and wash their hands.
ReplyDeleteIt's terrible that someone considered an insider would attend only to hurt or destroy a persons persona. I agree with Mr. Mitt, if you want to air this then air the complete Q and A. No editing.
Also Anonymous, has a very good point phones are seldom used for calling any more. He might have left one other use out and that would be texting, which is definitely
instant messaging. My granddaughter could prove that one.
Seems like we humans find a way to turn a good thing into a bad thing over and over. When God, created everything He said it was good. Boy, have we ever destroyed what was good and made good things into bad for the human race.
You can never get everyone that might have heard what you said to someone that hurt them together again to tell them you were wrong and you are sorry. You may tell the person you offended you are sorry. But what does all those other people think of you now that don't know you apologized. And if they do know do they think you were sincere?
That old saying "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." is wrong. Words are powerful and we need to think as in; put your mind in gear before you put your mouth in motion.
A very capable and well liked man had to drop out of the Governor's race because of some careless words spoken at a party. You want to be in the public eye, you live in a glass house visiable to all; those who like you and those who don't.
I agree with you Casey Pops.