Confidence Games

   Many people alive today are not familiar with the fact that much of our personal security measures mandated in federal law were in part based on the existence of 'con men' as they were called then, short for confidence men. The reference relates to the actions of gaining a persons confidence long enough to gather the information they require to operate their game. In the last century of American culture they had begun to make 'marks' out of much of the disabled and disadvantaged of our society, because their friendship and confidence were so easily gained. Progressive people have sought ways, through law and legislation, to protect those whom needed it the most. These con's operate a criminal life on the backs of some of the neediest of our neighbors and loved ones and they continue today.

   However, there is a side to the con game that some are not aware of that affects our culture as much or sometimes even more, in this information age. That is the withholding of information from the general public who could benefit, while making sure that those they want to have the information are provided it in a timely manner. The information is now the confidence that is kept. We complain, at times, about lousy news reporting, for we know that there are always lots of things going on, but no media reports all the information for delivery to the public. More and more information is being held close to the vest, as they say. Confidence games are alive and well, especially with some of our politicians.