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databanks pull at our atoms
our bits of behavior
denuded of shadow
penumbras of privacy
stripped from our words
and opinions exchanged
via keystrokes and cellular pulses
transactions peculiarly personal
now lie spread-eagled
exposed to brass bureaucrats
secrets of modesty scrutinized
choices of habit form profiles
inferred inclinations
described in an evermore
sharp-raised relief
all in name of
benevolent government
smiling its mollifcations
paternalist duties invoked
with each unwelcome touch
of its impudent fingers
inside of our clothes
and our minds
(originally posted October 2013)
It feels like we’ve entered the age of “Brave New World” and “1984”… there’s no such thing as real privacy anymore.
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and our increasingly refined profiles are a commodity
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Indeed….and most are unaware, it’s so insidious. We’re like frogs being slowly cooked.
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Even more relevant today! Nice Paul!
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I agree
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Ultimately, why? Does the government need to know what you eat for breakfast and what you wear, etc. etc.? National security has nothing to do with oatmeal, but the food industry has everything to do with what you eat. So, why all the details, your morning as opposed to your afternoon regarding where you shop? For advertising! The more is known about what you like, the easier it will be to sell you stuff!
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violated nonetheless
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A poem with razor-sharp insight and an ever more important message.
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much appreciated
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Oh my, painful truth artistically expressed. Makes my skin crawl that voyeurs have gained a semblance of nobleness.
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mine, too – HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
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Thank you, thank you–I’ll be replying to the b’day “cards” when I have more time…yours melted my heart 🙂
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I couldn’t figure out how to insert a picture in my comment
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A picture?? I don’t know how either, so just tell me what it is–my curiosity is peaked! 🙂 And I’m exhausted–the full 65 yrs didn’t hit me till 4pm on the big day. I was ready for a nap, but had to wait for a friend to bring my fresh-made Hawaiian lei–sweet!! And then I ‘somehow’ invited my newest nabes for dinner…
It was the best b’day ever, well worth struggling to get here 🙂
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so glad you enjoyed your day – it was just a picture of a big birthday cake with sparklers
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Oooh, sparklers!!
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