Paul’s Daily Ration: 09/10/21 – Radically Rational

Paul’s Daily Ration: 09/10/21

It’s not merely inattention to science. It’s not simply ignorance of science. It’s not just healthy skepticism toward any given scientific finding.

This is not about “informed debates” about scientific subjects and issues.

This even goes further than rejection of science.

This is open and automatic disdain and hatred for science who reflexively and spastically attack any scientific position they find inconvenient or, inexplicably, “political.”

In the United States of America. In the 21^st Century.

And you wonder why we felt compelled to launch a company named “Radically Rational”?

“Well, I’ve done my own research, and…” And what? You’ve discovered the Earth is flat?

Nobody has been more critical of Joe Biden than I about the botched exit from Afghanistan. Nobody.

But Biden nailed it in his COVID update Thursday. No more screwing around. No time to wallow in the mire. That’s leadership. If his predecessor had possessed the balls to do that, we’d have put this paralyzing pandemic in the rear-view mirror long ago.

See what I did there? I banged the crap out of the guy on one subject, and praised him to the heights on another. It’s called “non-partisan” and non-tribal. You really ought to give it a try.

Yesterday when I gently suggested on social media that remaining unvaccinated is not just a personal decision, but one that greatly impacts others, a responder replied, “Don’t go playing that ‘decency’ card with me!”

Let that marinate.

A Eureka moment. Confirmation of something I have long contended.

ANYTHING that simply smacks of the slightest basic human decency or concern for others is now treated with scorn, and labeled as “Leftist.”

The respondent posted as ‘”Nancy.” But that could have been a pseudonym for Hank, or Rover, or Fido, or Tabby or My Friend Flicka.

Decency is now uncool. And actually has been for some time.

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Paul's Bio

I clearly have the attention span of your median fruit fly.Look! Airplane!

Sorry. I’m back.

It’s both a curse and a blessing. I’ve never bought this stuff about, “He who dies with the most toys wins.” But I do think that a wide range of life experiences helps us grow as people, and helps us better relate to other people. I’ve been fortunate. And I am beyond grateful.

I show up on time. I go like hell. I’m a good listener. I hold myself accountable. I own my mistakes. And I have a natural and an insatiable curiosity. I’m never afraid to say, “I don’t know,” when I don’t. But then I try to find out.

The flip side is I’m a lousy ballroom dancer and my clothes sometimes fit me funny.

Stuff matters to me. I care. But while I take that stuff seriously, I try hard to never take myself seriously. As a result, I have sometimes been told, “Paul, it’s hard to tell when you’re serious and when you’re just having some fun. Which is it? Serious or fun?”

My answer is “yes.” But I think that is a legitimate criticism. I promise I’m going to work on that.

This has been the quickest and strangest half-century I’ve ever experienced. During that period, I’ve been afforded amazing opportunities in news and sports journalism across all platforms. I have taught wonderful students at the high school and collegiate level. Always, I learned more from them than they did from me. I’ve been a high school administrator. I spent ten seasons as a high school varsity football coach. I’ve been an advertising executive. I’ve hosted nationally syndicated television entertainment shows. In maybe the biggest honor I ever received, I was selected by NASA to be “Chet The Astronaut” for the “Land The Shuttle” simulator at Space Center Houston. (All I can say there, is “Do as I say, not as I do.” I put that thing in the Everglades more often than not.) Most recently, I just wrapped up a decade as a television news director, during which time our teams distinguished themselves in holding the powerful accountable, achieving both critical and ratings success.

What does all that mean? It means I am profoundly grateful. It also means I’m ready for “next.” So here we are. Radically Rational. It’s an idea I woke up with in 2017. I scribbled “Radically Rational” on a piece of notebook paper and used a magnet to stick it on our refrigerator. I saw it every day, and it just would not leave me alone.

I am second in charge at Radically Rational, LLC. My wife, Jo (also known as BB), is the president. Clearly, I have failed in my attempt to sleep my way to the top of this organization.

I hope you will learn that I’m loyal as a Labrador. But I will admit that this doggie can bite every now and then. My promise to you? I will show up on time. I will go like hell. I will listen to you earnestly and attentively. I will hold myself accountable. I will never be the least bit hesitant to say, “I don’t know,” when I don’t.

But then I’ll try to find out. Let’s do it.