Computer illiteracy
Political affiliations and issues aside, how in the world can Americans possibly elect John McCain as their next president this October, when he openly admits he doesn’t “do computers?” How can a potential leader of the free world possibly be so archaic, seemingly with little or no embarrassment, about something so crucial to modern communication?
McCain is 72. If he’s elected, he’ll be the oldest man to take over the White House. But millions of seniors have already proven that age is not a barrier to learning about computers. We’re not talking about a man who avoids upgrading to the latest software, or just not being a gadget guy - we’re talking about avoiding computers altogether! McCain is either being stubborn, or a dinosaur, or a bit of both.
Imagine all of the terms that are part of the common vernacular with which McCain is unfamiliar. Blogging, e-mail, file attachment…so many, they can’t even be counted! How would he, as president, send an urgent, personal message to another international leader? By carrier pigeon?
I’m not American and I can’t vote in November - and McCain wouldn’t have been my choice anyway, but this latest admission is nothing short of startling. The Oval Office doesn’t need an technological ostrich in it for four years.
July 14th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
“How would he, as president, send an urgent, personal message to another international leader?”….er, ‘phone?
July 14th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Lisa - I couldn’t agree more ..The funny thing is how many other republicans (ie very old school) are living the same life where they “don’t do computers”.
Im sorry, but I cant even think about what life would be like without using my computer. blackberry, cell phone, GPS …etc. And Im 48….
And this guy has a legit shot at being the president? And this comes from a country that had Dubya for two terms … What was his favourite saying again - “Fool me once, shame on …on ..on… you… because ya can’t fool me again”… (WANNA BET?) ONLY IN THE GOOD ‘OL U.S of A. - Unbelievable
Tony Luccisano
Sales Manager
Digital Sales
TSN - The Sports Network
July 14th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
I totally agree.
As president (candidate) you need to at least know how to email.
July 14th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
The technological ostrich in this saga is the author herself, who may wish to pull her nose away from her Black Berry from time to time. Technology has truly expanded our ability to communicate with a multitude of individuals world wide in an instant, however that doesn’t make it crucial to modern communications, merely more convenient. If John McCain were to become president, he would be surrounded by assistants, aids, managers and a broad range of other individuals paid and responsible for handling correspondence, communications, press releases etc., all of whom are likely technologically savvy where he need not be. Presidency requires a strong leader, someone who can lead others and more importantly someone who knows how to delegate responsibility to others.
… crucial to modern communications, we call them telephones an fax machines, e-mails don’t cut it at that level.
July 18th, 2008 at 5:44 am
Since when does the Commander-in-Chief needs to be a typist (so to speak), that’s why he has adjutants, aides, secretaries and a whole sleuth of other people who are experts in their respective fields to assist him. They are on the payroll to do what the president needs to be done.
McCain’s top priority is to lead and not to type. And, yes, if he needs to talk to or communicate with other world leaders, there is this device that was developed a long time ago by a bearded fellow named Alexander Graham Bell, a technology we still use today, like it or not - the telephone.
July 21st, 2008 at 11:34 am
I do love sarcasm!
I suppose McCain could still churn his own butter if he wanted to but there are now stores when he can purchase a little brick of it, ready-made.
The telephone is a wonderful thing.
The instant messaging systems are faster and quicker and don’t always have to rely on a potentially dodgy phone connection.
I stand by my belief that a man who doesn’t keep up with something that is now so commonly used by so many of his constituents, may be lacking (or biased or uneducated) in other important areas as well.
But thanks for the smiles!
Lisa