Point of View - Cambridge Spy

Valuing form over substance is a dangerous game by Maria Grant

October 8, 2024 by Maria Grant
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Judging a book by its cover. Putting lipstick on a pig. A wolf in sheep’s clothing. The emperor has no clothes. The snake oil salesman. Whatever you want to call it, we as a society are guilty of valuing form over substance. Style over content. Perhaps social media is to blame. But a reckoning is in order because Judgment Day is less than a month away.

Management scholars developed theories of charismatic leadership several decades ago. They concluded that charismatic leaders inspire followers to enthusiastically give unquestioned obedience, loyalty, commitment and devotion to such leaders and the causes they represent. They also claim that charisma can cause emotional manipulation and lead followers to distort reality, thereby hindering sound judgment.

Speeches and debates offer cases in point. Martin Luther King motivated his followers to call for social change. Hitler motivated his followers to commit evil acts.

Remember the Kennedy/Nixon debate when Kennedy reportedly asked for the heat to be turned up on debate night because he knew Nixon was prone to sweat? In contrast, Kennedy came off cool as a cucumber.

And then there was the charm and charisma of Ronald Reagan in his debate against Mondale when he quipped, “I want you to know that also I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent’s youth, and inexperience.”

Romney pummeled Obama in their first debate of that election cycle because it was clear that Obama assumed he could just show up and win the day. Romney was confident and self-assured and was declared the victor by all who watched the debate even though, with a closer look, it was clear that Romney spewed forth a pile of lies about inflation, the national debt, and more.

Many critics claim that Vance won last week’s debate against Walz because of his smooth and slick delivery. NPR fact-checked Vance’s statements and claimed that he lied about guns, healthcare, taxes, China, and immigration.

Donald Trump reportedly selected Mike Pence as his running mate because he thought he looked the part. He also likes the Lincolnesque looks of J.D. Vance. So, another part in this form-over-substance issue is optics.

Social scientists say our brains process emotions more quickly than thoughts or facts. We receive input and then attach an emotion to it before we actually think through the information.

In business, social science experts advise organizations to “avoid the charisma or optics trap.” Instead, they urge organizations to use unbiased assessment tools.

When judging candidates, the League of Women Voters stresses the importance of looking past the superficial optics or “form” and asks voters to do the challenging work of uncovering the facts. The League suggests that voters do a deep dive on the positions that candidates take. It encourages voters to use voter guides and sample ballots to learn as much as possible about the candidates. It suggests voters assess candidates’ takes on critical issues and then assess each candidate’s honesty, integrity, and intelligence. The League encourages voters to recognize distortion tactics such as name-calling, rumormongering, and loaded statements. It also asks voters to spot phony issues such as passing the blame and promising the sky. Finally, the League encourages voters to make democracy work and get involved in the process.

The political philosopher Edmund Burke once said, “Hypocrisy can afford to be magnificent in its promises, for never intending to go beyond promise, it costs nothing.” Something to think about.

Maria Grant was the principal-in-charge of the Federal human capital practice of an international consulting firm. While on the Eastern Shore, she focuses on writing, reading, piano, and nature.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Major mistakes in using “rage against the machine” messaging and negotiating strategies by David Reel

October 7, 2024 by David Reel
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Starting in 1991 and still active today is an alternative rock band that named themselves Rage Against the Machine. That is not surprising since their musical messages consistently promote rage against the machine. For them, the machine is defined broadly as businesses and corporations.

kIn the most recent strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), their public messaging strategy included rage against the machine. ILA defined the machine much more narrowly as the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), an industry trade association whose members are container cargo ship carriers, marine terminal operators, and ports.

Among other member services, USMX does labor contract negotiations with ILA leaders on a range of matters including wages and the use of artificial intelligence powered robots.

To generate support for their negotiations with USMX on those two issues, the ILA leadership launched a rage against the machine messaging and negotiating strategy.

ILA’s leaders regularly issued profanity laced messages directed at container cargo ship carriers saying they are unappreciative of dock workers role in their success and are indifferent to the concerns of dock workers future in an ever changing world.

The ILA leadership also vowed their strike would continue until all their demands on wage increases and the future use of automation on the docks were met.

Despite that rage against the machine my way or the highway messaging, there were immediate and widespread concerns that a strike would cause enormous harm to America’s economy, including more inflation and possibly an economic recession.

Even some ILA members in Baltimore expressed concern about a strike. They had just endured not working for two months after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse and closure of the Port of Baltimore.

Three days after the strike began the ILA president abruptly reversed course on his previous rage against the machine messaging and agreed to suspend the strike until January 15, 2025.

He acknowledged a tentative agreement with UMSX on wage increases, which were only slightly more than originally proffered by USMX, and a return to negotiate other outstanding issues.

The outstanding issue is a ban on artificial intelligence-powered robotic automation on the docks.

After pausing the strike, ILA’s leader issued the following statement: “The ILA is steadfastly against any form of automation — full or semi — that replaces jobs or historical work functions.” He also said in his statement that the preservation of historical work functions is “non-negotiable.” Job security for members and resisting modern technology have been ILA priorities for decades. In 1977, the last time Baltimore dockworkers went on strike, they strongly opposed the introduction of another modern technology — large metal standardized shipping containers.

Despite their 1977 strike, ILA lost the battle against the use of containers. Containers are now standard operating procedure. Somewhat ironically, last year the Port of Baltimore set new records on handling multi modal containers using ILA workers.

When a railroad tunnel expansion project is completed (scheduled for 2027), Baltimore will be well-positioned to send even more containers by rail into the Ohio Valley and on to Chicago.

On the yet to be negotiated issue of a ban or limits on artificial intelligence-powered robotic automation on the docks, I predict the future will be a repeat of the 1977 outcome. More automation is imminent and inevitable for three reasons.

First, robots are more efficient and dependable for repetitive and routine jobs. Second, there are decreasing numbers of individuals willing to work on the docks. Even with technological changes on the docks, dockworker jobs can still be dangerous, tedious, and dirty. Third, the unions stance that “the preservation of historical work functions is non-negotiable” is a message that will not stand. Everything in life is negotiable. In a recent Baltimore Sun article, Will Brucher, a port labor expert at the Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations, said “Protections are already in place. To keep labor relations smooth, the employers conceded that this was something that was negotiable. It’s possible they [ILA] could put a stop on new automation, but what historically has happened is they have job protections around it.”

For a view of the future of technology in supply chain management, look no further than two massive Amazon warehouse fulfillment centers at Sparrows Point. They were built on the site of the former Bethlehem Steel plant, not far from where Baltimore dockworkers were striking and picketing. At one time, this plant was the largest steel plant in the world and was one of the largest employers in the Baltimore region. Unable to compete efficiently it is now gone.

Today, at Sparrows Point, in indoor climate-controlled Amazon warehouses, robots are helping humans meet the order fulfillment demands of Amazon customers.

Going forward, key lessons on messaging management should be embraced by ILA leaders, other labor unions, and comparable organizations.

Raging against the machine has not been and will not be an effective messaging strategy in generating public support for your organization’s goals, whatever they may be.

Raging against the machine will likely diminish your value to and support from your constituents, whoever they may be.

David Reel is a public affairs and public relations consultant in Easton.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Renaissance By Laura J. Oliver

October 6, 2024 by Laura J. Oliver
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The last time I was at the Renaissance Festival accompanied by children, my son was a 5- year-old-towhead sporting an America’s Cup t-shirt, and my oldest daughter was a lanky 8-year-old. My youngest daughter was an idea I hadn’t had yet. Where was she, I wonder? Where was the third best idea I ever had? Not here in the land of the past but waiting to be called from the land of tomorrow.

Andrew wanted a sword, of course, and Audra a wreath of dried flowers. I bought a wreath for mother and daughter, and we both wore them in our hair. But today, I’ve come with my son’s son and daughter—and we stroll through acres of woods admiring the revelers’ costumes, the multitude of vendors, and the variety of food selections.

I’m referred to as M ’lady by a boy who wants to read my palm, but I’m not the royalty here. These woods are host to those whose ancestors risked everything to escape kings, queens, and lives of servitude.

The kids and I are looking for a magic shop, but as the notoriously poor map reader I am, we will end up back in the parking lot or once more at the porta-potties, so we stop at a booth for directions. Unfortunately, as the lady unfolds the sketch of Revel Grove to direct us, my brain turns off. It’s like when I’m trying to pay with the currency of a foreign country. I stuff a fistful of bills in the general direction of the salesclerk, cab driver, or sketchy guy with the watches clipped inside his raincoat and let them take what is due. I trust people and am rarely wrong.

That I know of.

So, I try to memorize which way the helpful lady points since she lost me at “you are here.” Then I tell her how beautiful her eyes are which is what I was thinking about when I should have been listening to the directions.

My interpretation of if you see something, say something.

We are still in a state of anticipation, but it is hot, and a lot of this entertainment isn’t for kids. They’re not going to get tipsy from a mug of ale, and they can’t understand a word from the Shakespeare stage.

We can’t find the magic shop, sorry, sorry, but we do find a puzzle shop. These works of art are made of glass, each piece unique, cut with multiple sides that can fit together in more than one way. There is a book, and I mean a book, on how to make solving the puzzle increasingly challenging. The $68 price tag seems excessive, but the kids have asked for nothing yet, not even funnel cake fries, and it looks like an heirloom.

We front up at a table where you can try out a puzzle, and the woman selling them starts talking to me about the state of the world, the coming election, and the versatility of her puzzles, but she’s difficult to hear. The ale shops are outselling her, and the crowds milling behind me are jostling toward the joust.

But I hear enough to express some anxiety and hope about the coming change of regimes when the woman, intense pale blue eyes, says clearly, and apropos of nothing, “I’m from the future.”

I stare at her and repeat dumbly, “You’re from the future,” in case I didn’t hear her correctly.

“Yes,” she confirms. “Most people here are from the past, but I’m 500 years ahead of you.”

This revelation is so bizarre that I briefly consider whether it is true. Absence of evidence isn’t evidence of absence, according to Carl Sagan. Maybe the Starship Enterprise has come back to Earth and where better to disguise the crew than in costume at a Renaissance Festival!

But what is actually going on is that when I was little, I intuited the only sin is unkindness, and to shame anyone else is the greatest unkindness of all. So.

Gonna roll with the future here.

I smile and nod as if I’ve been enlightened. “You’re from the future,” I repeat.

And she replies, “And I know what is going to happen.”

“Do you now,” I say.

“What I know is this,” she continues. “The outcome doesn’t matter. It’s all going to be okay.”

I very much want to believe this is true. She looks at me with her strange pale eyes and says, “I promise.”

Maybe she’s right. Maybe things are not falling apart but falling in place. Maybe the pieces can come together in multiple ways to make an even better design. So, we buy the puzzle and later a sword for the only son of my only son because that is the only thing he asks for.

My granddaughter, with long red hair to her waist and a love of perfection, wants only a wand—a star on a stick trailing ribbons like a comet’s tail— to wave over this whole bright and broken world.

We are making our way through the grove to the field where the cars are parked. If the kids weren’t with me, I’d find that street urchin and get my palm read, hoping to learn that the light above my head is very bright or that peace is imminent. But that is for another time.

The world is the puzzle we carry from the grove, fractured pieces that can fit together in new and different shapes. It brings to mind an image from a Gerard Manley Hopkins poem—a Victorian poet-priest who, while lamenting all that man has done to this world, claims nature is never spent, and that love will call forth the best of all things.

Because the Holy Ghost over the bent world broods
with warm breast and with ah! bright wings.

Laura J. Oliver is an award-winning developmental book editor and writing coach, who has taught writing at the University of Maryland and St. John’s College. She is the author of The Story Within (Penguin Random House). Co-creator of The Writing Intensive at St. John’s College, she is the recipient of a Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Award in Fiction, an Anne Arundel County Arts Council Literary Arts Award winner, a two-time Glimmer Train Short Fiction finalist, and her work has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Her website can be found here.

Laura Oliver will be reading her work at the Stoltz Listening Room at the Avalon Foundation in Easton on April 24th at 6 pm as part of our Spy Nights series. Tickets can be purchased here.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

J.D. Vance Wins the Vice-Presidential Debate, With Help from Walz by J.E. Dean

October 2, 2024 by J.E. Dean
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Earlier this week, I jotted down my expectations for the CBS-sponsored Vice-Presidential debate. I described J.D. Vance as arrogant, unprepared, and undisciplined. I described Governor Tim Walz as unflappable, noting that as a former high school teacher he could handle an unruly child.

Boy, was I wrong. The J.D. Vance who debated Walz last night was remarkably articulate and disciplined. He shook Walz’s hand and, after the debate, introduced his wife to Walz and his wife. He avoided name calling. Never once did he call Walz a communist or suggest that he quit his National Guard unit when it became clear it would be deployed overseas.

That is not to say that Vance was truthful in the debate or that he answered the moderators’ questions. Vance incredibly argued that Donald Trump saved Obamacare as president, failing to acknowledge that Trump campaigned to repeal it in 2016. He also tap-danced around a discussion of climate change, repeating Trump’s focus on jobs while effectively denying that carbon emissions are changing the environment.

On the issue of gun violence, Vance reiterated the Trump administration position that gun violence results from mentally disturbed people. He also suggested that illegal immigration contributed to the problem because violent migrants are importing guns. No evidence was offered in support of the claim.

Walz responded to some of Vance’s misstatements, but frequently spoke in generalities. He repeated some Harris campaign slogans, things like “an Opportunity Economy” and, with only a few exceptions, did not directly challenge Vance. He also responded to Vance on several issues by emphasizing agreement with him. In doing so, he legitimized much of the Trump agenda.

The low point of the debate for Vance was the discussion of the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The discussion came towards the end of the evening. Walz challenged Vance on Trump’s actions suggesting Trump is a threat to democracy. Vance responded by suggesting that “censorship” by the Democrats was the real threat. That claim rang hollow.

Vance also boldly offered that there was a peaceful transfer of power after Trump lost the election (which Vance refused to acknowledge). Trump left the White House voluntarily on January 20, 2021—that, according to Vance—was the peaceful transition of power.

Walz’ low point of the evening came at the hands of CBS moderator Margaret Brennan. Minnesota Public Radio and others have recently challenged Walz’s claim that he was in Hong Kong during the student revolt in Tiananmen Square in 1989. He wasn’t. Brennan asked Walz to explain the discrepancy. In response, Walz offered a convoluted history of his own upbringing and expressed pride in his trips to China before admitting that he was mistaken.

Vance did not have to add a word to the discussion. Walz had shot himself in the foot. The expression on his face during his response did as much damage as the response itself.

After watching the debate, I wrote down why I thought Vance had won.

Avoided name-calling. Never once did Vance mention communism or call Walz “dumb.”

Pronounced Kamala Harris’ name correctly.

Remarkably disciplined, rarely interrupting Walz.

Expressing agreement or at least a willingness to discuss policy on some issues.

Expressed sympathy for Walz after Walz mentioned his son had witnessed a shooting.

Avoided attacking Walz personally on his military service or claiming that he was a coach. (Walz was an assistant coach).

Carefully avoided repeating controversial Trump or Vance statements.

Avoided contradicting Trump policies.

Smoothly brushed off past statements, such as calling Trump “America’s Hitler.”

Shook Walz’s hand at the end of the debate.

Vance was too slippery for either Walz or the CBS moderators.

So, what impact will the debate have on the election going forward?

Nothing said in the debate is likely to materially change votes in November, but Vance succeeded in doing something that his running mate has been unable to do in recent months—sound sane and civil. Trump’s aides must have been ecstatic last night.

I had hoped that the debate would be the forum where voters could see what an unqualified and dangerous politician Vance is. That did not happen and is unfortunate.

The 2024 election remains close. Last night’s debate did nothing to change that.

J.E. Dean is a retired attorney and public affairs consultant. He writes on politics, government, and, too infrequently, other subjects.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Tracy by Angela Rieck

October 2, 2024 by Angela Rieck
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Tracy Eutsler

On the Eastern Shore I frequently encounter people with amazing accomplishments, curious hobbies, and unique interests. Such is the case with Tracy Eutsler, the Executive Director of the Perkins Family YMCA.

Her hobby? She is a competitive body builder, and she began her career at 50. That’s right, 50!

She has already won a number of regional competitions. Being someone of less than stellar fitness myself, my first question was why? Why did she choose to do this, especially at the age of 50?

Tracy explained that she has had a passion for fitness that began in high school. She had considered body building occasionally, but didn’t get serious until she was approaching 50. Her life was in a place where she could focus on it, and she decided to give it a try. At first it was in her “bucket list.” But when she placed first in the first competition she entered, she decided to take it a little more seriously.

Prior to competing, she needed to find a reputable organization, one where illegal performance enhancing substances were not used. She discovered that the OCB (Organization of Competition Bodies) was respected for natural body building. Next, she utilized a coach to help her learn the poses and subsequently provide assistance with her diet.

The diet is rigorous and requires full attention to the intake of carbohydrates, protein, and fat, at the gram level. Very restrictive diets are required to both compete and prep between competitions. The goal is to be lean for the competitions; but between competitions, she needs a diet designed to build up muscle. It is not possible to maintain a “stage lean” physique for a long period of time.

There are different categories of competition for women: Physique, Wellness, Bikini, and Figure. Each have different criteria for competing. Based on her body type, she realized that she would be most competitive in the Figure category. After winning her first competition she turned pro, but there are amateur divisions as well.

Given the rigor required for dieting and exercising, I wanted to understand how she did it. She indicated that she had always enjoyed fitness and teaching classes, and this hobby gives her work out a purpose.

She has been enormously successful in her competitions, winning all but the Virginia Apex Natural (a national competition). The first year she placed 5th and 3rd the following year in this multi-age competition.

She works hard because she knows that at 50 she doesn’t have many years that she will be competitive. She will continue her hobby as long as she is improving. Her goal is to ultimately win first place at the Virginia Apex Natural in September. She also plans to volunteer at the events and to become a judge.

Tracy is a reminder that it is never too late to follow your passion.

Angela Rieck, a Caroline County native, received her PhD in Mathematical Psychology from the University of Maryland and worked as a scientist at Bell Labs, and other high-tech companies in New Jersey before retiring as a corporate executive. Angela and her dogs divide their time between St Michaels and Key West Florida. Her daughter lives and works in New York City.

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Leading By Example is a Concept Foreign to Some by Maria Grant

October 1, 2024 by Maria Grant
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By now, we are very familiar with Donald Trump’s mantra, “Make America Great Again.” Trump supports that mantra with his “America First” and “Buy American” agenda. My mom used to always tell me to practice what you preach. And judge people not by what they say but what they do. Let’s take a closer look at exactly what Trump preaches and what he does to support his mantra and agenda.

Currently Trump markets an abundance of products. These products include hats, towels, teddy bears, flags, dog collars, cups, mugs, t-shirts, flip-flops, beach balls, bobbleheads, trading cards, sneakers, and so much more. A huge percentage of that merchandise is made in China. A recent YouTube video shows a guy wandering through the store in Trump Tower trying to find merchandise made in the U.S. He found some items that were not made in China. Instead, they were made in Bangladesh, Haiti, Lesotho, Canada, Italy, and Scotland.

After the first assassination attempt, Trump had factories in Taiwan pumping out commemorative t-shirts showing him bleeding and fist pumping while being carried away by the Secret Service.

Of late, Trump’s merchandise hawking has heated up. We’re talking commemorative coins (they sell for $100 and contain $30 worth of silver), God Bless the USA and Make America Pray Again bibles, and training sneakers. Last week, Trump announced he is selling Fighter watches retailing at $499 or $799, depending on the style. Another status watch in his collection retails at $100,000. Many members of the “status watch community” claim that these watches are “patently unoriginal and vastly overpriced.” Experts also say these watches “scream Chinese-made.”

In addition, Trump buys many of his own suits, ties, and dress shirts from China. Much of the furniture in Trump establishments—cabinets, tables, desks, etc.—is made in China.

Before Ivanka Trump shut down her fashion line, more than 800 items, including dresses, purses, and scarves in that line, were manufactured in China.

In campaign speeches across the country, Trump claims he will impose a 60 percent tariff on goods from China and an up to 20 percent tariff on everything else the U.S. imports. To punish John Deere for its plans to move some production to Mexico, Trump promises to tax anything Deere tries to export back to the U.S. at 200 percent. He also has suggested hitting the Mexican made goods brought back to the U.S. with a 100 percent tariff which would negate his own administration’s deal with Mexico and Canada. For whatever reason, Trump seems to have it in for Mexico.

Trump claims that foreign countries will suffer from these tariffs. Most economists beg to differ. They are not high on the tariff strategy. Economists claim that tariff retaliations from other countries will hurt the U.S. economy and cause inflation. Basically, they say that companies pass on the higher costs to their customers, so consumers usually end up paying more for goods.

So, where does this all lead? Why any American buys into Trump’s whole tariff Ponzi scheme escapes me—especially when espoused by a guy who reliably turns to China for his next Trump-branded product in his never-ending quest for get-rich-quick schemes.

And, on another note, let’s just confront the gargantuan, almost obscene, sums of money both parties are spending on their campaigns this year. So far, the Harris campaign has spent $743 million, and the Trump campaign has spent $426 million. And do not get me started on the spending in the state and local campaigns. The situation is beyond out of control. It is past time to institute sane campaign financing regulations. No other country on earth, even proportionally, spends anywhere close to what the U.S. spends on elections.

In closing, here’s a quote by the author Hermann Hesse, “Even in him, even in your great teacher, I prefer the thing to the words, his actions and his life are more important than his speech, the gestures of his hand more important than his opinions.”

Maria Grant was principal-in-charge of the federal human capital practice of an international consulting firm. While on the Eastern Shore, she focuses on writing, reading, piano, and nature.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

The Dreamcatcher: Chapter Five, “Epilogue” By Jamie Kirkpatrick

October 1, 2024 by Jamie Kirkpatrick
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(Author’s Note: This is the fifth and final chapter of “The Dreamcatcher,” a serial story in this space. All previous chapters are available on my website: musingjamie.net)

The last two-and-a-half decades of Tatu’s DeSouza’s life were spent in quiet contemplation at his hacienda in Tesuque Pueblo, a secluded and shady enclave just north of Santa Fe. He had never married and had no natural heirs so, at age 65, Tatu simply walked away. He liquidated his holdings in Dreamcatcher, Inc., gave away all the money away to schools, universities, and museums, and hired a new generation of entrepreneurs to run the company. Despite the fact that almost all of Tatu’s cherished patents on his Dreamcatcher device had expired, and that the very idea of such a gizmo (Tatu’s favorite description of his own device) had become commonplace, Dreamcatchers, Inc. still dominated the market. Tatu became a mythical and mysterious figure, a 21st Century version of Howard Hughes or Greta Garbo. That was just fine with him.

Still, the public and the world’s media were consumed with Tatu and his Dreamcatcher. Young entrepreneurs would trek to the gates of Tatu’s hacienda in New Mexico hoping to catch a glimpse of their hero. Renowned authors and journalists pleaded for the chance to write his life’s story. Ken Burns wanted to make a documentary. Women all over the world wrote him love letters. Tatu politely declined all such requests; he was content to live simply on a diet of tofu, vegetables and spring water, tending his gardens, taking long walks, and reading tomes devoted to the lives of Catholic saints.

Then there came a day when Tatu simply disappeared. Gone; vanished like a dream at dawn. No one, not even his majordomo, knew why he disappeared or where he had gone. There was no evidence of foul play so, after several months of public and private investigations that led to one dead-end after another, Tatu simply passed on into the rarified air of legend. No one doubted his invention—his Dreamcatcher “gizmo”—had changed the world in a way not unlike the voyages of Christopher Columbus, or the inventions of Nikola Tesla, or the plays of William Shakespeare, or the the statues of Michelangelo. But Tatu himself? Was he alive or dead? If the former, what was he doing? If the latter, where was the body? Tatu had always loved a good mystery; now, he was one.

Or was he? A year after Tatu disappeared, a young Goan police constable was walking along Galgibaga Beach at dawn, making sure no one was disturbing the nesting places of the Olive Ridley sea turtles that loved the soft white sand of one of the world’s most beautiful and pristine beaches. The sun was rising. Small waves lapped the shoreline, rippling the crystal blue water of the Arabian Sea; a gentle breeze rustled through the fronds of the tall coconut palms that fringed the half-moon bay. Everything was as it should be: perfect.

At the far end of the beach, the constable came upon an old man asleep on the beach under one of the palm trees. This was neither unusual nor prohibited, for Goa was a forgiving place, and the man, neatly dressed in a white linen dhoti, was certainly not causing any trouble or disturbing the sea turtle nests. In fact, he seemed to be smiling. But as the constable came to say a respectful “Good morning, sir” to the sleeper, she noticed a pair of broken black spectacles and a trickle of dried blood that had seeped into the sand. Nearby was a coconut. It didn’t take the constable long to figure out what had happened. She called for an ambulance, but the damage had already been done. Oddly, the deceased bore no papers of identification.

Back at the substation, the constable filed a succinct report: an unidentified elderly man, no known name or address, had been found on Galgibaga Beach, the apparent victim of a falling coconut. The only clue to his identity was a small tattoo on the back of his right hand: a spider’s web. It looked vaguely familiar; it reminded the constable of the logo on her dreamcatcher.

I’ll be right back.

Jamie Kirkpatrick is a writer and photographer who lives in Chestertown. His work has appeared in the Washington Post, the Baltimore Sun, the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Washington College Alumni Magazine, and American Cowboy Magazine.

His new novel, “The Tales of Bismuth; Dispatches from Palestine, 1945-1948” explores the origins of the Arab-Israeli conflict. It is available on Amazon.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Electric Vehicles: An Idea Whose Time Has Not Yet Come By David Reel

September 30, 2024 by David Reel
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Ford Motor Company, the second largest car maker in America recently announced it was making major changes in their production of electric vehicles, commonly referred to as EVs.

Ford has put a hold on plans they announced last year to spend $1.8 billion to transform an assembly plant in Canada into a hub for electric vehicle manufacturing.

Now their plan is to shift production at that plant to Ford’s gas-powered F-Series trucks which have been the best-selling truck lineup in America since 1977, and Ford’s best-selling vehicle overall since 1981.

In its coverage of Ford’s decision to pivot on EV’s, the New York Times noted,“The move is the latest example of how automakers are pulling back on aggressive investment plans in response to the slowing growth of electric vehicle sales.”

This decision by Ford comes with a measurable impact on their bottom line and on 2,700 auto worker jobs at their Canadian plant.

That plan alone will cost the company at least $400 million as they write down the costs for the manufacturing equipment they had put in place to build the EVs. Ford estimates the change in plans could ultimately cost them upwards of $1.5 billion.

Those costs pale in comparison to Ford losing $4.7 billion on EV sales last year, which is approximately $40,525 per electric vehicle sold.

Ford’s latest pullback from EVs is no surprise.

The economic reality is that Ford, other car makers and advocates for electric vehicles made unrealistic and unsustainable projections on consumer demand for EVs.

The two most likely factors for less-than-projected consumer demand are purchase price and reliability concerns.

The July 2024 edition of the Kelley Blue Book reports the average price for a new EV was $56,520, with some models costing more than $100,000.

Reliability is a concern due to a relatively limited number of EV charging stations.

Nationwide, there were 68,475 private and public charging stations at the beginning of this year, according to the U.S Department of Energy. While that’s more than twice the number in 2020, but it’s still just a third of the number of gas stations and well below projections.

A 2023 survey by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago reported that 77% of those polled voiced concerns about how they would charge an EV if they bought one.

This concern is not limited to potential EV buyers. Some current EV owners share it.

Earlier this year, the New York Times profiled a purchaser of a Ford F-150 Lightning EV. The purchaser said it was the “coolest vehicle he’d ever owned” and “it is unbelievably fast and responsive,” He also said, “the technology is amazing.” High praise indeed.

The problem for this otherwise enthusiastic EV owner was the EV’s range or, more importantly, lack of range.

When the weather grew colder, this owner found that the distance his vehicle could travel fell dramatically. His faith in the $79,000 truck diminished to a point where he found himself wondering if he should sell it.

“People say ‘range anxiety’ — it’s like it’s the driver’s fault,” he told the Times. “But it’s not our fault. It’s actually they’re not telling us what the real range is. The truck says it’s three hundred miles. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten that.”

Such observations are not a positive branding moment for electric vehicles or for Ford.

So, does all this news mean electric vehicles will never be more widely accepted?

In a word … no.

History is full of stories where the acceptance of new technologies grew slowly but steadily over time following initial acceptance by early adopters.

Early adopters are individuals who buy and try a new product or technology soon after it is available. Early adopters eagerly embrace change, are often (but not always) young, often (but not always) highly educated, and often (but not always) having robust disposable income.

While early adopters are among the first to purchase and use new products and services, they often become public opinion leaders over time.

Widespread public acceptance of their opinions can be accelerated when producers and marketers of a new technology listen to, accept suggestions from, and address legitimate concerns brought to their attention by early adopters.

Ford appears to be on track to do that. Their President and CEO recently said, “As the number 2 brand in the U.S. for the past two years, we are committed to scaling a profitable EV business, using capital wisely, and bringing to market the right gas, hybrid, and fully electric vehicles at the right time.

Ford currently anticipates the right time will not occur until 2027 when they plan to resume EV production at their Canadian Assembly plant.

For now, it is clear that electric vehicles are an idea whose time has not yet come.

David Reel is a public affairs and public relations consultant who lives in Easton.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

From Seriousness to Irritation by Al Sikes

September 29, 2024 by Al Sikes
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Israel opened a new window on 21st-century warfare and its potential consequences. It embedded a networked software trigger in electronic devices that can be activated at advantageous moments. In the case of Israel’s use, the trigger ignited explosives on the person of Hezbollah fighters and probably beyond. And this was engineered in an antiquated device called a Pager. The door is open; it will not close.

Where does this lead? Lets begin with apprehension. Inevitably import restrictions and still more inspections. Manufacturing regulations for sure. Think air travel then and now. I’m old enough to remember that it was literally only minutes after arriving at the airport that you could board your plane without any personal inspections.

In reality, this new form of warfare will reach all of us. A shoe bomber fouled air travel. What about exploding devices?

Unwanted Music

It is not unusual to find yourself in a restaurant where the music is both un-entertaining and loud. In fact, since my hearing is not all that great I wonder what younger ears hear.

Of course, to be heard over the music you have to speak more loudly causing the ambient sound level to spike. Theoretically, this is all in the pursuit of a more pleasant experience—restaurant owner turned Disc Jockey.

If a restaurant that serves a broad demographic wants to play music, they should research what will be most pleasant and then very carefully set the volume. My advise: give us a break, don’t stomp on our conversations.

We Shouldn’t Have To Be Convinced

Sports betting. In the money chase, what we think of as governments have decided to become the middleman. They authorize what used to be illegal, sometimes promote it and then take a cut.

Realizing that in most jurisdictions there is not much room for more taxes on their constituents many governments have turned to gambling. Lotteries, sports betting, casinos and their variations have the government engaged in what they witlessly think of as risk free conduct. In effect governments have become the croupier and their cut is assured.

A recent article in The Atlantic was titled “Legalized Sports Gambling Was a Huge Mistake.” It concluded in a sub-title: The evidence is convincing: the betting industry is ruining lives.” The author noted, “The rise of sports gambling has caused a wave of financial and familial misery, one that falls disproportionately on the most economically precarious households.”

If we are not prepared to bear additional taxes governments should not put on “green eye shades.” The leader class should not take the path of least resistance and prey on our weaknesses.

Al Sikes is the former Chair of the Federal Communications Commission under George H.W. Bush. Al writes on themes from his book, Culture Leads Leaders Follow published by Koehler Books.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Star Power By Laura J. Oliver

September 29, 2024 by Laura J. Oliver
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In elementary school, friends would complain, “My father would ground me for a week if I did that!” or they’d explain dolefully through a screen door, “Can’t play. Restricted.”

And I’d wander home envious.

I rarely had a reason to start a sentence with “father” and was only punished in somewhat rare bursts of corporal application. In part because I wasn’t a troublemaker but also because no one was paying attention– although once my exasperated mother tied me to my sister because we were fighting so much. Encouraging a truce through forced proximity.

The primary discipline was expectation. That you would get good grades, put your bike away, and dry the dishes was assumed. But expectation is a passive restraint. So, lacking parental rules, I tried to discipline myself. To be my own parent. I made up chore lists and gave myself stars if I completed them, which I rarely did.

Okay, never did.

I also put things on the list that I would do anyway, like feed the cat. (Miss you, Mitty.) But I could check these off and reward myself with one of those five-point gold stars teachers put on math quizzes. There is a lot of security, it turns out, in structure.

My two older sisters knew our parents were having a tough time in their marriage so one day, they suggested we help them out by taking over disciplining ourselves. I liked this idea because (I did not see where this was going) and I craved discipline. But when your siblings are 5 and 8 years older, you are not on the disciplinary committee, as super fun as that sounds. You are the defendant.

I was told to crawl into the upstairs storage closet under the eaves, and the dismantled side of my old crib was propped over the opening. I think my crime was having left the water running in the bathroom. Things happen! You get distracted!

It was stifling in the closet as I stared out between the bars, and I was afraid there was a wasp’s nest in the dark back recesses where the eave sloped down. This house had, after all, recently been a barn, and our bedrooms were in what had been the hayloft—but I was denied parole. My sisters were affable jailers, of course, and I could have simply moved the bars and walked out, but that was not the reality we had agreed to or the one I live by now.

This was to become, I believe, a paradigm for my life and maybe yours. All my imprisonments are self-imposed. The unrelenting remorse. The tenderizing grief. The constant comparing of myself and my life to others and finding myself lacking. I sign up for workshops online that I think will heal this habit from sites like “Wisdom for Life” — classes like “Healing Trauma with Compassion” and “The Rewiring Your Brain World Summit.” Then I forget to attend or can’t spare the time. Or let’s face it, I opt out for the more imperative “How the Cosmos Will End.”

Some things are hard to believe, but keep an open mind because, as George Bernard Shaw said, “All great truths start as blasphemies.” Or, I’d add, as experiences. A gifted Intuitive once shared quite matter of factly that the spirit of my long-dead father had entered the room. He confided things about our relationship no one could know and apologized for his role in my emptiness. He had grown in spirit, was working hard at becoming a better …dad, human being, higher consciousness… whatever it is we become after we die.

Which I suspect is just us minus matter.

Since I couldn’t see him, I said, “Does Dad have any signs he uses to communicate with me?” I was hoping for direct access. A way to feel my dad’s presence without third-party interpretation.

“Gold stars,” was the reply. “He says he communicates with you with five-point gold stars.” I was disappointed. There is so much ambient light in my town, I barely see the stars and I hadn’t seen any in recent memory.

The next morning, after my quiet time, where I try to be available for a connection with love’s energy, my attention was drawn to a small cabinet my father had made as a school woodworking project when he was 14.

It is about a foot high, with a hinged-lid compartment on top that opens above two doors and a drawer below that. It hung on the wall of the breakfast room at Barnstead. Mom kept letters and stamps in it, and for a long time it housed a couple of arrowheads we’d found along the barn’s foundation. I’d looked in that cabinet many times with the idea I might paint it someday. But this day, on impulse, I opened it again.

Scattered inside were three 5-point gold stars. The kind a child might receive for a job well done. The kind you might give yourself for having done the best you could.

But that is not the end of this story. The end is this: I tucked the earliest photo I have of my father and me upright in the cabinet behind the little doors and stowed it on the highest shelf of my closet. He’s a 35-year-old father of three in that picture, and I’m a six-month-old baby, listening attentively in my white bassinet as he sings to me and plays his guitar.

The other day, I was feeling down. I went into my closet to find my running shoes, thinking, sure would be nice to feel like I wasn’t in this alone. And I looked up on the highest shelf, where the little cabinet with its photograph has been stowed for years, and the doors were wide open, the photograph just where I’d left it.

And Dad was singing to me.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

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