log 010, video

[thestarspangledman]

[Steve's been playing 'let's catch up on seventy years of history' again, slightly augmented by that trip to Risa. By which we mean, he got to experience technology in the future. But here he is, settled down with a pile of books and looking just a tad disconsolate.]

I know it's 2012. I really do. But even here, I -- feel like I'm gonna have to turn on a radio and wait for it to warm up. Or like I could pick up a newspaper and check the next time the Dodgers are gonna play down at Ebbets. Just -- it's enough to know that what we fought for was worth it, but I've been looking at the library again; and it's ....

Let's just say this isn't the future I expected. Kinda figured -- well, hoped -- we'd get over setting differences on people because of the color of their skin, or where they're from, or because of something they can't do a damn thing about. I guess it was too much to hope for, even seventy years later. Sometimes I think that everything's changed, then I realize some things haven't, and I -- don't know how to help it. Wish I could.

Comments

[thestarspangledman]

I have. It doesn't mean I have to like it.

video;

[thestarspangledman]

It's been seventy years, Peg.

[He just rubs the back of his neck and sighs, nodding.]

Yeah, I know.

[thestarspangledman]

I'm not your grandpa, kid. ...And yeah, they did.

[zeitgeists]

Then you should know what to expect the conclusions to your musing to be.

[timesbureaucrat]

Don't be so sure. You never know where the Barge might take us. The last port, for example, 23rd century.

[19centconstable]

I like to keep a positive outlook on things, even so.

[an_abomination]

If humanity had a single greatest flaw, it would be intolerance towards anything they perceive as "different".

[persuadeyou]

Most people want them, actually. There's a definite perk to being able to carry sixty pounds of books in a two pound device.

[Private]

[most_feared]

Was there anything in particular you were lookin' for?

Re: Video:

[childhood_surgery]

I-

[Well, now you make no sense, AT ALL.]

Yeees...

[ladyofgotham]

[Barbara regards him with solemn understanding, for a moment, before glancing over the rest of the replies. When she speaks, it's quiet and wry.]

I really do hate to say it, but Isley has a point.

[Her voice takes on a warmer, firmer quality, then.]

Yes, a society may become more accepting of one minority, at least on the surface - only to persecute the next that comes along.

Better to stop focusing on humanity and start focusing on people. They're the ones you can change.

And maybe you change enough to make a difference.

[imfollowinghim]

I'm open to suggestions.

[thestarspangledman]

Well, I dunno, what do you wanna do?

[thestarspangledman]

I sure hope so.

[thestarspangledman]

Hope and reason aren't exactly connected, sometimes.

[strangehistorian]

Well, to be technical it is not any year here on the Barge! We are outside of time! Your view of what year it is is equally as valid as anyone else's!

[thestarspangledman]

I don't mean to, at all, sir. It's just -- a lot to take in, and I've ....never really had time to.

[thestarspangledman]

So do I. But sometimes it's hard.

Re: [Private]

[thestarspangledman]

Not really, just playing catch-up.

Video:

[thestarspangledman]

It's ....kind of a long story.

[thestarspangledman]

Yeah, that was ....definitely something else.

[thestarspangledman]

Yeah, but what if you break it?

[Private]

[most_feared]

I can tell you I lived through all of those years.

Re: Video:

[childhood_surgery]

Either way, 2012 remains an inapplicable term of reference for me.

[thestarspangledman]

I've noticed that.