Disclaimer:  See that word “News?”  This blog is going to be time sensitive, but if you read it within the next few days, it should work.

 

    One of my favorite movies is called, “Being There.”  It is about an idiot gardner named, Chance.  Well, I guess it’s just as much about the people who don’t realize that Chance is an idiot.  These include the President of the United States.  Chance is played by Peter Sellers.  (I think all Peter Sellers movies are among my favorite movies.)

    By some improbable circumstances, Chance, who had never been beyond the garden of the house he was born in until the master of that house died a day or two previously, finds himself the house guest of a very rich and very powerful old man who is also an esteemed friend and counselor to the president.  When the president comes to visit, Chance is introduced to him.  Now, it is important to know that Chance has learned everything he knows about anything -- except gardening -- by watching television.  It’s equally important to know that Chance does not understand the medium.

    When Chance is introduced to the president, he says, “Yes, I’ve seen you before.”  

    The president is clearly uncomfortable, but is loath to offend the house guest of his mentor.  He kind of grunts, “Oh?”

    “Yes,” Chance says.  “On television.”  

    More uncomfortableness and then Chance adds, “You look much smaller on television.”