serial amnesia

 it seems I don't have to use my usual apolitical caveat for this one but I'll put it in anyway. Don't take anything I say as embracing or dismissing any inherent bias or affiliation - that's your baggage and I don't give a shit.

now this is a weird one because this seems to be an affliction well on the way to epidemic proportions. Politicians of assorted stripes in numerous states along with public service officials both state and federal. Giving evidence to different inquiries, making media statements, attending cabinet meetings or on the campaign trial; they all seem to be suffering from the same ailment - memory loss.

one particular problem I have had in relation to this is clear and accurate compiling of statistical data. It seems they can remember how to gather information in regards to one association say, age ranges in relation to deaths, but apply any other sub sets to the information they have compiled and they seem to have forgotten how to use a spreadsheet. Maybe even then there is no guarantee a brush up course will jog the ol' memory of how to do it.

then there are the methods and devices used to aid memory that seem to work to no avail. Emails, phone calls, group meetings and the like.

maybe the very idea of taking notes in relation to these methods and devices would be fruitless. If you can't remember you simply can't remember. Some of these people have lost their jobs over what they have forgotten. Think if we applied that standard to everyone what kind of mess we would be in?

I used to record proceedings in the courts. One thing I learned in relation to evidence is this; not only does a liar have to have a good memory but a lie has a memory.