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In a bizarre incident on October 4, 1986, CBS News Anchor Dan Rather was attacked by a mugger demanding, “What’s the frequency, Kenneth?” This assailant was later identified as William Tager, who mistakenly believed that Rather was someone named “Kenneth” and was seeking a secret code that did not exist. Driven by paranoid schizophrenia, Tager had long harbored a belief that TV networks were bugging his home in North Carolina. This paranoia led him to assault both Rather and a stagehand from the NBC Today Show.
Tager’s psychological issues were revealed by Dr. Park Dietz, a forensic psychiatrist who had previously assessed notorious individuals like Jeffrey Dahmer and John Hinckley. His suspicion of the media served as the motive for both attacks on TV personalities. Subsequently, Tager confessed to the assaults, revealing his delusional belief of being a time traveler from the future implanted with a brain chip by authorities.
Interestingly, the incident involving Tager and Rather resurfaced in popular culture when the rock band R.E.M. released the song “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?” as part of their album “Monster” in 1994. The song reflected the generational gap between older individuals and the youth, with lead singer Michael Stipe offering an ironic take on the failure to understand modern motivations.
Despite Tager’s troubled past, he resurfaced after his release, with a credit as a compositor on an episode of the children’s cartoon “Hey Duggee.” However, his whereabouts and activities since then have remained relatively obscure. Nevertheless, the rise of individuals like Elon Musk and Sam Altman, innovators in the AI industry, underscores the potential for success in cracking codes and creating one’s path to wealth and influence.
The narrative of Tager and his bizarre actions raises questions about the limits of capitalism and the need for regulation in mitigating the exploitation of young talent by established entrepreneurs. In the competitive landscape of the tech industry, giants like Google and Microsoft are constantly vying for supremacy, waiting to capitalize on emerging trends and innovations.
The story of Tager serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the fine line between ambition and greed in the pursuit of success. While greed may drive individuals to achieve their goals, it is essential to balance ambition with ethical considerations and societal obligations. As the digital age progresses, the role of AI and technology in shaping our future becomes increasingly significant, necessitating a thoughtful approach to innovation and progress.