The New DEI

For too long, Discrimination, Ego, and Ignorance (DEI) have been under attack.

Over the last 60 years, with landmark legislation like the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the growing perspective that long-term discrimination carries huge, generational effects, the lock on power of privileged groups has been loosened (some). And institutions like our universities have repeatedly offered information to the youth about past injustice and present dangers like the rapidly changing climate.

But the times, they are a-changin’

Now that those who either do not know or do not care (or both) about much of the past or present can happily claim to have a better handle on what to do next. The new U.S. government has proudly declared its support for limiting access to data, but also to any expertise in interpreting that data.
Why should we bother to collect and publicize data that can help us prepare forextreme weather events?

Universities are now being put into their proper place. For years they have trained students to have respect for the scientific method. Their silly dependence on rational thought is now being replaced by the guidance of those who are not handicapped by relevant knowledge or experience; gut feelings can once again rule, as they did in the outstanding Middle Ages. Possibly aiding this trend, by objective measures, intelligence itself may be declining! Wooho!And the repositories of the outdated bodies of knowledge are also being pushed back for this brighter future. As noted in the Washington Post (a formerly left wing rag now being wrangled into the new perspective by its obviously brilliant owner), “Trump also gutted the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which supports and funds libraries, archives and museums in every state.”

The Wave of the Past

Gutting the educational system, concealing unpleasant data, deporting professionals like transplant surgeons, and alienating those nasty allies with random economic choices, all of these will surely be the way to Make American Great Again. All of these can only happen if we Discriminate against effective professionals (especially if they aren’t from the right group), and proudly demonstrate our Ego that is based on Ignorance of how little we actually understand.

The New DEI!

[And if you don’t understand that the paragraphs above were attempts at satire, I’d suggest that you not operate any heavy machinery (or take any governmental role).]