@virtualbri I'm pretty convinced David Brooks was not part of the in-crowd, while it would be dead easy to pull one over on him. Given he's "press," and he's had reason not to go down that particular _thought_ rabbit hole, he's perfect cover to have around. (Yes, I do think people can have that s* go on in the next room by people they know and not let it cross their awareness.)

@virtualbri Maybe not "at the parties" at all. I've been to plenty without much knowledge except it was necessary schmoozing, not just for personal opportunities, but for non-profit fundraising and for social change in influential circles.

"Stayed late at the parties," definitely.

@geistesgift The flip side of this is the guy my mom hired to fix up her utility room, and some recent notable others, possibly in Minneapolis. This guy sat for four days trying to figure out how to put the plumbing back together, while just going to the unit next door, or taking a pic ahead of time would have given him the layout. He was desperate for work, and in way over his head.

But that's where they want us. Desperate.