Let's go way back...a computer lab filled with TRS-80s. When we aren't learning BASIC, we are sitting there playing Moon Lander. The man who leads our class, Brother [name redacted] is also well versed in what is coming; several times during chapel, he rants at length about how they are going to be used to watch every transaction we make, every place we go, every move we make; complete control...Mark of the Beast. Brother [name redacted] may deserve the credit for the fact that a few years later, I occasionally wake from a nightmare, and get up to go check and make sure my C 64 is still turned off.
A couple more years go by...new electronic time clocks at work. Nobody is happy about them, we are going to have to carry a card now. Time sheets are so much easier (and prone to abuse
). HR has their ear to the ground about how unpopular the idea is; in our meeting, they say
"We understand nobody likes this, but you may as well get used to it. In a few years, these things are going to watch every thing we do".
Around the same time, I turn on a baby monitor one evening. I recognize the voice of my neighbor; listen long enough to realize I am eavesdropping on a personal family matter. Called her up, completely freaked her out.
The annoying beepers give way to cellphones. It has already come out how in bed with government Microsoft is, but you still might be called a tin foil nutter if you express any suspicions about technology to the ignorant. But hey, what do you know! Neal Boortz is on my radio, ranting and fuming about the government remotely activating microphones on cellphones! I lost touch with the neighbor I overheard on the baby monitor years ago, but now I wonder; does she go anywhere without one?
In the middle of a phone call, a family member is about to reveal something scandalous to me about a relationship she is in (infidelity on her part)...
Her:
"I want to tell you something, but you have to promise me you won't breathe a word about it to anyone".
Me:
"OK, but whatever it is, keep in mind you are not just talking to me."
Her:
"What do you mean?"
Me:
"You are talking into a cellphone. You don't know who is listening or recording."
Her: (awkward pause, probably thinking
"he's off his meds again").
Me: (waiting, thinking
"That's right. Take it with you to the bathroom, gaze into it while you are taking a shit. Leave it sitting right there on the nightstand while you do your pillow talk. Make sure every time you are giving your kid a lecture it is right there silently listening. Then tell me again how crazy I am you ignorant cunt.")
Family members come over, I say
"Do you mind leaving your cellphone on the counter there? Let's go in the other room and talk." Very strange looks. What an odd request! Nothing going on worth hiding, just mundane chit chat.... but mundane chit chat is much better when you look each other in the face (as opposed to trying to talk to someone who is staring slackjawed into their palm, their blank expression occasionally giving way to a half-smile when they swipe and something amuses them. Has nothing to do with wondering about any number of agencies from any number of governments, or any number of corporations, that might be listening).