Last words on a “boring” issue

Yet another letter from a readers on the “boring” news about rip-offs and political scandals. It followed the same line as a previous letter, and ended up with another plea for more coverage of sex related news. What caught my eye was the way the plea read word for word a paragraph in the previous letter.

STATISTICS. I read once that the chances of winning America’s biggest lottery are far greater than that of exactly the same sentence being written on any subject, by two different writers. So am I witness to a statistical miracle, or to some ham handed collusion?

While some claim our local political and fraud scandals boring, it’s interesting to note that in restaurant conversations and call-in radio programs they are prime subjects.

I have always enjoyed reading letters to the editor, in fact my first published works were letters to a British daily newspaper. In later years I came to understand that the letters were a valuable insight into how readers felt about the world, and that for every letter sent, there were dozens of others that people had meant to write but “never got around to it.” Instead they sounded off behind a pint of Britain’s best mild and bitter.

At one time, The Times of London would carry readers’ letters on a current political or social problem, over days, or even weeks, with well known pundits throwing in their points and counter points. When the editor felt the the subject had been played out, he would declare: “This subject is now closed”.

I would like to pass that on. The “boring” debate is now closed. However we welcome letters commenting on any subject, especially if they are not coercive or pushing someone else’s hidden agenda.

CATTY NEWS. Audience members at a play in Teatro Aba recently voted in a mock Presidential election, giving Ricardo Martinelli a resounding 2-1 victory. This unscientific bell weather has proven right in the last three elections.

Now news of another prediction. During a recent TV interview while La Chola was espousing here her cause, three different cats walked behind her. That according to local superstition meant she could soon use another version of the Martinelli slogan, “In the Shoes of the People.” For Balbina Herrera , “These shoes are meant for walking” (out of the limelight).

YEAH BUT. Following up on the “So What?” expression of cynicism, “Yeah But” came to the fore at a dinner party this week. “Yeah But being the cold water response of the unimaginative listener to a new idea or proposition.

I once helped conduct a seminar for Thrifty Car Rental. It was organized by Donald Himmelfarb who went on to become president of the company worldwide.

Every participant was given a stuffed doll with “Yeah But” embroidered on the front, and told never to repeat the phrase again in a business meeting.

“Build on ideas, don’t tear them down” was the message. He could have added a “So What?” doll for those unable to see what’s behind a message.

Another achiever in the same mould, rose from a cereal salesman to presiding over Kellogs world wide. Arnie Langbow placed little value on nay-sayers. The world’s best newspapers share a commitment to exposing crime, corruption, and scandals.