Those Darn Microphones
Thanks to intrusive devices like Alexa, or even your cell phone, which are triggered into action by the sound of a voice, you’d think we’d all know that anything and everything we say is heard and potentially recorded.
And yet, it’s striking how often those who should know better wind up getting caught by open and obvious microphones.
Recall a week or so ago, when testifying before a Senate committee, Dr. Anthony Fauci was heard to say to himself “what a moron” about a U.S. Senator from Kansas…a senator who, by the way, is a medical doctor.
Then yesterday, as the president was leaving a public event, a Fox News reporter shouted a question to the president with regard to the Russian plans about Ukraine: “Why are you waiting on Putin to make the first move, sir?” Seems like a fair question for her to ask, since a U.S. president could easily have made a strong public statement on the topic, picked up the phone to call Moscow, etc. And it was also fair since the president seemed to say at his news conference the day before that a “minor incursion” into Ukraine might be alright.
The president did not address the question or the reporter, but instead was heard to say, “What a stupid question.”
In both situations, you could defend the person making the nasty comment. They thought no one could hear, the person to whom the comment was directed was a moron or asked a stupid question, etc.
But overall, it has to do with mindset of the current ruling class—don’t challenge me, I know more than you and I’m not afraid to show it with my haughty disdain, I’m far too good to have to deal with the likes of you.
Check out any White House press briefing for similar examples.
Sometimes, the more indignant someone gets when challenged, the more insecure they actually are in their position.
Regardless, those folks who are seeking public favor on issues would do well to not stir up unnecessary conflict.
