There are a lot of things that I don't know or can't predict. I used to be pretty sure that there was someone out there who knew those things and could get those things done. Make sure they get done. As I get older, it becomes clear that there isn't anyone doing the things I don't understand and can't see coming. They don't know how to do it anymore than I do. Everyone is on their own every day.
I'm pretty sure the GM's job is to alert the D.C. police that they're going to have skydivers in a ceremony. I'm pretty sure it's not Dave Martinez's job either. It's probably someone in promotions and marketing, and I'm guessing it's someone lower on the totem pole. They forgot to make a phone call. I understand. I don't like making calls, but I do like talking to people. Isn't it ironic that I love gatherings? Someone probably realized they couldn't alert the cops by text. D.C. gets a little uneasy about aircraft just kind of circling around.
I could make a joke about how easy it is to stall Congress. Nancy Pelosi's words about the mix-up were dispiriting, because she could do something about it, but it would probably cause her face to crack.
I like to imagine the face of the person who was supposed to alert the authorities, as word spread that they actually caused a panic in the capital. It's like when you spill something and watch the puddle get bigger and bigger, and then you wonder if you've just started the chain of events that will end with the building in ashes. When I accidentally flushed the bathroom door down the toilet, I seriously did this.
It is hard to comprehend how a tiny acorn can turn into a calamitous oak. Your mind can't do the calculations in time to stop it. There is a paralyzing thought of how you are going to explain this to the correct people, and with the quickly vanishing hope you can do so without painting yourself to be a world class nincompoop.
They will probably pay with their salary. They will have a story for the rest of their lives. It is probably worth it.
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