This thought came into mind the other day about real people and I began to think about the real people I used to know and how many real people I know today.

Oh, and lets make it clear at the outset that some of the people I will refer to, I really didn’t know but I experienced their period of time of being real.

For example there was President Harry Truman who was known in history for two things, dropping the A-Bomb’s on Japan and ending World War II, and telling it like it is with his quote, “If you can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen.”

He was a haberdasher from Kansas City, Missouri.  He made quite an impact as President of the United States – without a teleprompter.

But keep in mind that this was before the slickness of Madison Avenue took over the likes of politics in the black and white TV debates of John Kennedy and Richard Nixon.  It might have been hard to believe then that sweat versus no sweat during the debates could have possibly been the difference of winning or loosing.

But that was the case then, but as we have witnessed, such a scenario is more plausible now.

Everyone gets an assist today, in one form or another.

Children in school have counselors, provided by taxpayers.  If there is a sign of talent parents provide outside help, tutors and counselors to help with college applications others to help with the interview process all in order to get their kids into the ‘right’ school.

On the athletic field if a kid shows any form of talent he or she is provided with special trainers, leagues to play in for a cost in the off season.

Pampering of any form of talent today is common place with enhancement in any form necessary at any cost.

This used to be a Hollywood scene, today it is a common scene across America.

It takes place K-through 12 and beyond.  In the world of academics, sports, business, politics, media and deals with just any profession where a buck can be made.

Somehow we have accepted enhancements of any kind to be acceptable to achieve, including drugs to do better on tests or in the case of athletes steroids to enhance performance and in the case of Hollywood starlets, Botox.

Yes, it’s all about performance and appearance.

We train CEO’s, politicians, entertainers, sports personalities, authors, and just about anyone else with a public persona how to perform through media training and crisis management.

Yes, technology has changed the world and all of these talents must adapt to the exposure they must deal with in a 24/7 news cycle.

But don’t think for one moment they are the people that you are witnessing in their performance.

President Obama doesn’t do very well when his teleprompter crashes to the ground.

Sammy Sosa didn’t look so bulky or didn’t hit as many home runs when he was not on steroids, nor did Mark McGuire.

Sophia Loren couldn’t look as well as she does in her 70′s without some enhancements.

I kind of liked the thoughts of Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle and Harry Truman, there weren’t any enhancements, nor big salaries.

They we’re real people.  Are there anymore around?