professional people

  It's something I have noticed over the years, perhaps beginning with the emergence of the internet and you tube videos, everything has to be "professional" these days. Take something as simple as pickle ball. Now I've never played a single game of pickleball, know very little about it, but I was under the impression it was intended to be casual fun. Turns out their are leagues, taking over the courts, and those complaining about the level of play. From all accounts I've read, the fun is gone, it's a competition! There are professional pickle ball players. 

  It isn't just sports, it is all forms of leisure activities that I've noticed this with. Karaoke is another example. Was once something a bunch of drunk people did and now it is quite different. Some folks bringing their own microphones and backing tracks, very professional. I understand that as there was a time I would bring my own pool cue to the neighborhood bar. It did make me feel more confident and added a level of intimidation to those having to use the house sticks. Didn't make me any better at pool though, but that was before instructional videos on you tube. 

  I am amused with how many "professional" people there are on Facebook. It doesn't matter what the subject is, there is someone on there at all times that is an expert in the field. I will read a list of credentials and  life experiences. Every known profession is represented 24/7. I'm on there more than I should be and my expertise is in giving an opinion. I have an opinion on everything and anything. I even have an opinion on opinions. I'm an expert opinion giver. It's rather amazing really. Whatever starts making headlines there will soon be a hundred experts on Facebook. Constitutional scholars, philosophers, rocket scientists, animal behavioral experts, you name it, they are there. Well, that's my opinion.

  There does seem to be a compulsion by the public in general, to do everything in a professional manner. What I mean by that is, looking it up on the internet and following that advice, guidance or whatever. That in and of itself isn't a bad thing, it's good to learn about new subjects, techniques and methods. The downside to all that being readily available is the lack of experimentation on the part of the individual. The learn by doing, that was prevalent in years past. Today we tend to believe you can learn by reading, by earning a degree, without ever having to actually do anything at all. Those "highly educated" folks that have really done nothing but be professional students.

  We are seeing the results of that. That's why we are hearing the cries for "professional" people that know how to do constructive things, like fix your car or build a house. Reading about that stuff isn't learning how to do it. Anyone that has ever worked on an automobile will tell you, the engineer that designed it, never had to work on it, if they did the design would be different. And now we are seeing some of that from our politicians with their designs for a better society. If they had ever lived in society themselves, they would know better. Take Bernie Sanders as a prime example, he has never worked a real job in his life but owns three homes, several automobiles and a big fat bank account. How? You paid him to tell you how to live your life. Well, mostly you have him agreeing with you that you should get everything for free. Obama is another example, what job did he ever work? None, a community organizer isn't a job, it's a scam. But they are professional politicians. Now there's an oxymoron for you.

  We are all professional people. I drew a picture, so I'm an artist. I write these blogs, I'm an author. I've been at various times in my life a stationary engineer, machinist, mechanic, heavy equipment operator, quality assurance inspector, recruiter. stock clerk, held a CDL license, a license to operate waste treatment plants in the state of Maryland as well as water treatment systems. I've held a badge issued by the Maryland State Police valid in a restricted jurisdiction. The thing is, none were my profession. They were all just jobs that I held. I did try to do them in a professional manner. Still, when asked  I will say, I'm a jack of all trades and master at none. I'm good with that. Thinking I will try that pickleball, probably need to buy equipment, take lessons and learn all the proper jargon. I'm certain there is one associated with that. But then again maybe not, wouldn't want to wind up in a pickle. That wouldn't be professional.