This is a metaphorical article. You have been forewarned therefore you are forearmed to provide metaphorical comments.

          In upper division classes I like to start the year with, "We have lied to you. I will not lie to you." That usually gets their attention as most are not aware of the gross oversimplification that occurs in the K-12 curriculum and they never developed the ability to "forge ahead" of the "age appropriate" material. For the few compulsive autodidacts in the room their (sometime subtle) "No shit!" reactions reveal my marks. While establishing a confidence, identifying the mark(s) is critical.
          From kindergarden on we teach that snowflakes have hexagonal symmetry. This is not true. To a reasonable approximation they look symmetrical enough that the statement is "good enough for government work.", but we must all acknowledge the truth of reality and say that if a particular snowflake does in true fact have real hexagonal symmetry then, like wow that is really unique and neat, but perhaps not of profound significance.
          I lived in Los Alamos for a summer sans security clearance. I often came into "contact" with "sensitive" information. I knew what I was to do to not be a royal fuck-up (that would be a technical term we use used in the lab). No one explained to me anything with regard to this issue. No one needed to discuss details with me, as the general principles seemed to be obvious and pretty much covered all possible situations. So, my confusion is: How does one become a major player in government and not grok the notion of sensitive information? Why is there even a discussion about "subtle" issues when the "egregious" has already been stipulated.