Caravan of progress goes on

Trump’s becoming a president was so unexpected, his presidency filled with so many scandals and controversy that I started to pay more attention to current politics and the problems under discussion. I am amazed by the difference between the narrative in the media and what actually happens during the decision making.

(That is probably where Trump’s FAKE NEWS slogan finds some justification, which, by the way, does not mean that he tells the truth all the time.)

On the other hand, I should not have been surprised. I should not expect to be so well informed and able to find a solution to the complex national problems on par with those who dedicate all their time to it. There are many experts in the field, solid professionals, and scholars who do it full time. Besides, to provide all the details of a problem to the public at large just impossible.

That’s why politicians simplify and “slogany” while talking to their base and only very simplified and devoid of important details information is presented in the media too. We – the wide audience – would not be able to understand everything even if all the details were provided. Even the experts do not agree on the interpretation of the same facts and statistics.

In this respect, I see a striking analogy with the public view of quantum physics. Its language is maths, and very complex one. Without it, people use metaphors that can be “understood” in a way often not related to physics at all. Besides, more often than not, those who come up with metaphors do not know the maths either, so they interpret metaphors they heard from other people. As the result of it, one can bring the conclusion to any point they would like.

This analogy with physics is limited, of course. We do not vote for the best physicist who, when elected, executes the laws or revisit the laws of physics established before his time. And yet, the state of national economy depends on the government much less than it is presented in the media. Each of the ruling parties accuses the opponents of creating problems and credits themselves for solving them. But to me, it looks more like propaganda and coincidence.

I see big business taking over more and more. It is focused on making a profit and little anything else. That’s why Trump’s campaign did not hesitate to involve Russia when they feel they needed their cooperation.

One thing gives me a joy and the hope though: I compare the state of affairs today with how it was 100 years ago and see that it is more difficult to hide anything from the public eye now. And the public at large is more informed and can understand more complex issues too.

The caravan of progress continues to move on for the better, no matter who and how loudly barks at it.

A young man asks a doctor about his wealthy uncle after the surgery:

– Doctor, is there any hope?

Doctor answers:

– Depends on what you are hoping for.