Double Header (Two Subjects)

Two matters, first General Petreus. I haven't figured out what to call, or how to summarize, the second subject.

The United States is currently experiencing a scandal similar to those which have rocked one or two European countries over the last few decades.

General David Petraeus, who had been the commander of Allied forces in Iraq and more recently the director of the US CIA (Central Intelligence Agency), is involved in a scandal involving a mistress and possible conveyance of sensitive national information to others.

I think he should be called General Betray-Us. Okay, I'm just trying to be funny and have actually not formed a strong opinion in this matter--which is good, as the facts are still emerging.

Personally, I hate all things military, so I don't like generals. That includes General Motors, General Mills, and General Electric.

On another subject, yesterday I had a visit with my doctor—or to be more precise, one of my doctors, since when you get to my age you're likely to have numerous doctors, including various specialists. This one is an internist and my "primary care physician."

His practice has some new practices (no pun intended). They're very high-tech and have embraced various computer and database tools.

So, for example, the doctor writes up a summary of my visit on a laptop, and upon leaving I was presented with a copy of the write-up. This is what is so interesting: I read it and have to say, Yes, everything is true; but it all sounds so different, as he writes it, from what my experience was—mainly what I said I want or don't want.

There has to be a more general lesson here: experience can be quite different, depending on whose eyes it's filtered through. Remember that when you have a disagreement with your spouse or with a friend.

copyright © 2012 by Richard Stein