SPECIAL POLYGRAPH EPISODE, PART 2

Seems I have cut a nerve in Texas, Lets see is I can cut a wee deeper

Seems the truth can be hard to swallow in Texas, but now I know I have their attention.  I have had three, very angry phone calls about last nights show.  What was their review, well, lets just say, it was strong.


There was also some discussion on anti trade, and anti competitive issues and that as APA members, I thought this behavior was frowned on. 

If they were pissed at what I said last night, well, lets just say I won't be driving a convertible or washing dishes next to the kitchen window anytime soon; especially with the treats I have had in the past from Texas Association of Polygraph members.

Also we I'll be talking about his Dan is actually right about a few things.  I know the texans will be listening.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/maxprovocateur/2016/06/15/special-polygraph-episode...

Dr. Richardson,

I appreciate your thoughts on this matter.

Clearly, my motives as a polygraph consultant are not financially oriented. I'd say that less than ten percent of the inquiries I receive are converted into actual business.

The main reason for such a low conversion rate is simple: When prospective clients are candidly informed of the risks, realities and limitations of the "test," they either lose interest entirely or find an examiner whose claims about polygraph are more in line with their own twisted perceptions.

On the other side of the coin, some individuals who have been victimized by the "test" seek me out in hopes of finding a remedy, and I have been successful in that regard. By the way, those cases can be most telling of the ethics (or lack thereof) on the part of the examiner who administered the original "test."

As for continuing my efforts to become APA president-elect, I agree that such candidacy forays provide me with a platform, albeit limited, by which I can appeal to APA members to temper their financial motivations, think critically for themselves, and do the right thing.

But hey, I'm a realist. That noble mission is proving to be an uphill slog, and I appear to be well on my way to becoming the Harold Stassen of APA politics.

But I'm okay with that.

Why? Because the record will continue to show that this rogue member of the APA is not afraid to speak truth to power, tell the unvarnished truth about the "test," and strive to bring about reforms that are long overdue.

For me, that's reward enough.

Dan

Dan,

The overwhelming probability that you are unlikely to become the APA president is neither particularly surprising nor particularly important.   

While you are sharing with this community (essentially anyone in the whole world sufficiently motivated to search the subject on the Internet) of the substantial weaknesses of lie detection, you are not only speaking in opposition to the financial interests of the polygraph community, but you are presumably speaking in opposition to YOUR OWN financial interests.

I do not depend on the outcome of any of the above to evaluate lie detection, but for the typical visitor to this site (an individual who has no real basis for evaluating technical arguments as to the pros and cons of lie detection), one who claims to represent truth, and, by doing so, works to the detriment of his own financial well being has to be taken seriously.

I don't care how serious you are about seeking election, but if that is a useful vehicle, continue to use it for sharing the truth about the polygraph community and its practices.

Ark, while a more tactful approach may open a few more doors, I doubt it would have much of an effect on the cult-like zeal that dominates the APA.

Remember, this is the same outfit that peddled the myth of 98.6% field accuracy for 15 years -- 10 of them after the devastating NAS report.

In my opinion, the APA lives in a bubble the likes of which are seldom seen in other professional organizations. The group feeds itself on its own self-serving propaganda while looking askance at reality, similar to the operational models of many faith-based religions.

Most industry organizations are profit focused; hard not to be in a capitalist infrastructure. Pure altruism is usually not very cost effective, otherwise we'd have fresh baked bread every morning. But, ethics plays in the hearts of most non-sociopaths. Perhaps another more tactful approach may open doors?

An APA tribal elder -- someone for whom I have the utmost respect -- met with me and laid out a most convincing case as to why my efforts at reform will remain futile.

Here's the takeaway: The polygraph profession is mainly about money. Understandably, everyone wants to protect their own rice bowl.

As for curtailing polygraph fraud, abuse and victimization...not many practitioners care much at all, at least from what I've seen over the past 11+ years.

What matters most to the APA, it seems, is sustaining polygraph's commercial viability.

Given that my reforms would have a negative impact on indu$try economics, it's easy to see that amassing enough votes to win the office of president-elect is a most daunting task.



 

What got you so discouraged Dan? You normally have much more fire in the belly than this. Very recent events have shown that a brash, persistent and determined outsider can unexpectedly topple the ivory towers if he gets the message out.

Dan:  Take the high ground and quit the damned APA.

What good are they and how does membership help your business?

So that you can put it on your business card ("Full Member, American Polygraph Association")

Ark, I'm having second thoughts on running.   

I fear that my platform of a test-taker bill of rights, realistic research vis-a-vis a countermeasure challenge series, and equal opportunity for APA members is simply a bridge too far.

Last year, when the politicos who run the APA decided to shitcan the organization's time-honored goal "to serve the cause of truth with integrity, objectivity and fairness to all persons," they really tipped their hand.

In my opinion, the "new, improved" APA is no longer primarily about truth, as it was in the days of Backster. Now, the APA seems to be dedicated mainly to sustaining the polygraph indu$try. 

Truth -- especially the truth about the "test" -- be damned.

I have come to accept the fact that in life, sometimes (perhaps all too often) the bastards win.

Dan,
How are your election efforts coming along?

Maybe someone will nominate him for president elect.

Dan, if you are looking to bring some international diversity to the APA, you many consider Mr. Enrique Gimeno from Spain. I can vouch for his knowledge and professionalism. I believe he is a full member.

http://www.poligrafo.us/index.html

I wonder if such sentiments could be swayed by a financial incentive...

Dan, I did mention it to two members who I know personally and they acted like I was trying to get them to kiss their mother-in-laws.

Dunno. Let's look into it. The by-laws are readily available on www.polygraph.org, the same folk who claimed 98.6% accuracy for fifteen (15) years -- ten (10) of them after the devastating NAS wake-up call. 

As for a university degree, I'm not sure. At the last APA national seminar, the cool kids in charge foisted an ObamaCare-like massive redo of much of the terms, conditions and language of the association's constitution. So, nothing would surprise me.

But let's move on. 

Maybe one (or more) of your APA-member harem could run for president-elect. I'd love to see a wide field of races, religions and genders throw their hats in the ring for all offices. 

The APA political machine has been whitebread WASP for far too long.

Is a university degree required?

Ark, the requirements are minimal: one must be a full member of the APA.

The more candidates for president-elect there are, the greater my chances of winning.

In my opinion, the good ol' boys want a two-man race.

That said, I would not be surprised if certain nominees for APA president-elect were "discouraged" from running by establishment politicos. 

Injecting a slate of straw candidates into the mix would be an interesting experiment.

Dan,
What are the detailed requirements to run for APA president elect?

As reported in the newly released March/April 2016 APA Magazine, current APA president and longtime polygraph establishment politico Walt Goodson's suggestion to effectively disenfranchise the vast majority of APA members has been soundly rebuked.

Of his slap down, Goodson admits:

"As I mentioned in my last [column's] message, the current election process has been called into question by a few of our members due to its limited capacity to offer candidates an opportunity to share their platforms beyond a 500-word candidate statement and a photo. ... After the publication of that message, I received considerable support for the current electronic election process. Moreover, informal discussions with APA board members during the Winter Board Meeting revealed unanimous backing for the current process. It is very clear to me that access to the polls is most important to us."

Elections are fast approaching. Let the games begin.

Thanks Ark, but showcasing a command of the theoretical effluvia that comprises the bullshit that is colloquially known as "polygraph science" is by no means a pivotal factor in the ideological insurgency that will fundamentally transform both the polygraph indu$try and the APA.

Safe travels.

I am flying out on a transcontinental flight today. My posting will be spotty. Peace.

All manifestations are not of value. I was hoping for more elaboration on its utility to ascertain whether an arousal was precipitated by a genuine OR or from the Startle Response. I suggest you spend less time in vitriol and more in expanding your knowledge base. You will need it once assuming the bully pulpit.

The value-add proposition in determining the alpha/beta responder issue manifests itself primarily in the interpretation of the cardio channel, of course.

Dan, If you want to effectively challenge me, you'll have to rise above the 320 hour barber school.

Here's one for you:

What is the value added in determining if your examinee is a beta or an alpha responder?

Commander, I'm not bewildered in the least. Bemused, certainly, but not bewildered. Polygraph is seductive, and attracts all types.