By Ron Scheevel
Preston, MN
As I’ve had a chance to travel a bit this winter, I’ve made a few observations about the way we live in our modern society. This is mostly a commentary on our use of electric devices that have evolved over my lifetime.
First, let me explain that I am totally inept at the use of almost all new technology. The exception to this may be the electric toaster! I grew up in the age when electric typewriters were the new wave. My blazing speed of 26 words per minute can now easilty be exceeded by most 10 year olds using their thumbs. While most of the people in our modern world thrive with all the new devices, its made this old guy’s life a bit more difficult.
While I do appreciate all the advantages technology brings, I’m not sure I will ever catch up in its use. Let me take you through the use of “tech” on our recent trip to California. Thankfully, my wife is computer savvy and allowed me to go along. The following is a short summary of our travel west.
The tickets and boarding passes were already printed at home, the charges directly applied to our Visa card. Then a brief stop at F & M Bank for some spending money at the ATM. Then the card again to check luggage, scan to go through security, and again to board the plane. Once seated, the Visa once again to buy a sandwich. Isn’t it grand, all the way to the west coast with no — real money!
Once on the ground, the card to pay my son’s parking fee, then onto the tollway. No card required, automatically scanned licensed plates, billed directly to son’s account. Then the “Island” restaurant for late lunch, put in on Visa, gratuity included. After that, check-in at the hotel. Guess what — card used again.
Although cash is very useful, the “card” has become king. With chip readers, thumb prints, facial recognition, driverless cars, where are we heading?
One drawback to using all these devices is a lack of social interaction. Upon boarding the airplane, over half of the passengers plug in their ear buds and typically say little more than hello to their fellow travelers. It’s very similar at home or at school with everyone staring into their phones. We’ve lost some of our ability to communicate with others.
In my opinion, a personal visit is still the best sales tool; in politics, meeting your friend or foe on the issues is still the best. In one-on-one conversations a handshake or hug cannot be replaced by an email or text.
As I finish this narrative, the California experience, with 10 lane freeways, acres of concrete, thousands of cars and people, will be over. We’ll be home with a “loaded” charge card back to our routine in rural Minnesota. There is no place like home in our small communities. The biggest thing is the personal connection with our friends and neighbors.
The help and compassion both given and received by friends and neighbors is unbelievable. No machine or device can yet duplicate that.
Now if I could only understand what Bitcoin is and figure out how to electronically pay our Visa charges with it, then this “Old Soldier” will have made real progress. Probably isn’t going to happen very soon.
Thanks for reading,
Ron Scheevel
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