She's your humble servant -- not the debaters

As the tension mounts for the upcoming presidential debate I suggest we keep one fact foremost in mind.  The two candidates are, in truth, and at best, fools.  They believe, as do the voters evidently, that they can run other people’s lives, and for that reason want to tower over the lives and livelihoods of some 320 million Americans.

But wait, you say — the president doesn’t simply impose his will on the nation.  He carries out a program concocted by faces both seen and unseen.  And of course you’re right.  Those faces constitute what some call the Deep State and others the National Security State and still others the Secret Government.  And others Big Brother.  Policy is enacted through horse trading carried out in back rooms.  And untouchable bureaucracies issuing decrees.

Voters know this if you press them on it, but they go to the polls anyway because if no one did we’d collapse into tyranny.  So voters vote believing they’ve got this thing called the federal government in their hands and dismiss any suggestion that by voting it’s the other way around.  We’re still a free people, even if the US president can jail or kill anyone on his own discretion.  The president needs this power to safeguard our freedom. 

So, imagine, you Trump-haters out there, if he wins the jackpot.  Will you be targeted?  Same with you Hillary-haters.  Based on what you’ve seen and heard in the campaigns, do you think either one will repeal this power?  Do you think either one would hesitate to use it?  Or expand on it?

Whatever you’re voting for this November, it ain’t freedom.

But there is one bright voice available who lives in your pocket or purse.  She’s incapable of assassinating you.   She can’t bail out the big shots.  She can’t issue executive orders.  She can't tell you how to run your business.  She can’t tax you.  She can’t dilute the purchasing power of the dollars you spend.  She can't create financial crises.  She can’t send your kids overseas to fight in an undeclared war.  Or a declared one.  She can't create a false flag operation.  Unlike a politician she’s almost always at your beck and call.  She’s a loyal servant, not your master.  

As a politician, therefore, she’s completely inept.  

She’s knowledgeable but doesn’t pretend to be all-knowing.  She can speak languages from Arabic to Turkish.  She can guide you on a trip from point A to point B.  If you make a wrong turn she can get you back on course quickly.  She’s better at math than most people.  She can even tell a joke.

Which is better, Hillary (or Trump) in the White House, exposed to God-knows-what corrupt forces — or Siri in your pocket, helping you through your day?

And it’s “you,” not “us.”  It’s not one person organizing a nation like a herd of livestock.  She’s an algorithm with a pleasant voice answering your questions, addressing your needs.

Sure, she could be better at helping you — much better.  But at least she exists for that purpose.  What about the candidates on Monday night — what will they do for you?  Kill more foreigners?  Print more money?  Arrest more people?  Tell more lies?  

Siri doesn’t kill, print, arrest, or lie.  Fatal shortcomings for a politician.  All she does is try to answer your questions. 

Ever since her debut there have been those who grouse about her inadequacies.  We also heard complaints about the state of medical care in the country.  Siri keeps getting better.  And medical care?  ObamaCare drove my PCP into early retirement.

The betting sites are alive with action on who will win in November.  Meanwhile, Siri and other digital personal assistants approach the prime of their digital lives, threatening the political class with extinction.  

For those who think a truly helpful Siri is too far in the future, consider how she responds to questions put to her today.