Shifting Focus

The New York Times and the San Diego Union Tribune recently ran articles describing political operatives who have been abusing our privacy by harvesting our voting history, WiFi use habits, whether we voted, and then shaming us with that information. That’s not a surveillance state. It’s a #CreepState.

While voting records are public information, our right to peace and quiet outweighs politicians’ desire for office. Politicians do not have the right to ram text spam - which is a really a collect call - down our throats. Why do they get away with it? Because instead of pushing back, we let them. By not standing up to politicians - who work for us, not the other way around - we’re enabling the growing creep state.

The blessing side of this coin is that we can stop information abuse coming from fake friends who don’t give us the time of day until they want our money or our vote. And that includes corporations that think we have to do things their way.

How do you say no? Instead of upgrading your iPhone, you can reject the technology arms race. Consider the craftsmanship of fountain pens, film cameras, and slide rules.

Do you really need text and data plans? The New York Times paper edition, weather from NOAA Weather Radio on a 1973 police scanner, and cash work fine. And they’re easier on your eyes than a glowing screen.

Walking to the store to buy the paper is good exercise and starts the day right. Buying the paper at the store instead of subscribing supports a local business, and keeps your name out of the hands of data brokers who help build the creep state.

Writing on paper with a fountain pen is much better for your fingers and neck than swiping on a phone or keyboarding. The fountain pens’ nibs sing as you write, and paper books never need a battery charge. No one ever got text neck or eye strain writing with a fountain pen, reading a paper book, or using a slide rule.

My first car phone, a Motorola Pulsar I, 1980.

My first car phone, a Motorola Pulsar I, 1980.

For me, forty years of constant availability and distraction was enough.

Merci, et bonne journée.