The shell game, in its many variations, is a timeless example of deception and manipulation. In this version, known as Black Maria, the game involves three playing cards, with one of them being the Queen of Spades. The dealer manipulates the cards, while the audience places bets to guess the location of the Queen. The simplicity of the game is deceiving, as the actual practice is far more complex and orchestrated.
A Real-Life Encounter with the Shell Game
Many years ago, I had an office on the 11th floor of 71 Broadway, a building featured in the movie “The Paper.” From my office, I could see down onto Trinity Church and along Broadway. Across the street, near the Wall Street Subway station entrance, I witnessed a shell game in action.
A man would set up a makeshift table with a milk carton and a piece of cardboard. He placed three cards and a stack of dollar bills on the table. Spectators, including a woman with a baby carriage, a man with a cane, and a couple of youngsters, began playing the game. Occasionally, someone would win, prompting excitement and cheering from the crowd. These winners, however, were part of the dealer’s team, designed to lure real targets, known as pigeons or marks.
These unsuspecting players, often tourists or young professionals, never stood a chance. Even if they guessed correctly, they were unlikely to keep the money. In one instance, a winner was chased off by the dealer when someone yelled “police.” This individual was intercepted and relieved of their winnings by a team member. Over time, I could recognize the different team members, even if they played varied roles.
Elections: The Ultimate Shell Game
Reflecting on this, it seems that we are constantly part of some sort of shell game, especially during elections. In this analogy, the voters are the pigeons, the candidates and their teams are the dealers, and the media and pundits are the enablers. Everyone focuses on the contest but loses sight of the real stakes—our tax money.
In its most basic form, an election is about choosing a group, led by a candidate, to manage our money (taxes) and make responsible decisions to improve our lives. The key criterion for choosing a candidate should be their responsibility. In the 2024 election, considering the national debt and track records, this decision should be straightforward. Discussions about Biden’s age or his occasional name mix-ups are mere distractions, with the media playing into the hands of the dealers.
The LifeBahn Perspective: Collaboration Over Competition
At LifeBahn, we observe both sides blaming each other and escalating competition. This highlights the need for LifeBahn’s mission to teach the lessons of collaboration. Competition might help a few succeed, but collaboration helps many.
In the context of the recent political climate, it is clear that the solution lies in unity. Leaders need to transcend partisan divides and work towards common goals. Collaboration can bridge gaps and foster a more cohesive society, promoting resilience and shared purpose.
Join the LifeBahn Community
LifeBahn is dedicated to promoting collaboration as the cornerstone of our global virtual community, LifeBahn.net. We invite you to join us in learning how collaboration can transform our lives and empower us to create a better future together. Strength lies in unity, and together, we can make a meaningful impact.
