Thursday, May 07, 2009

Appalled?

Is that too strong a term for my open-mouth disbelief at the results of a recent survey?

A purportedly “nonpartisan, nonprofit” organization called Public Agenda (www.publicagenda.org) conducted the survey. According to the results:

“Half of all Americans (51%) could not correctly identify a renewable energy source such as solar or wind power, 39% could not name a fossil fuel, 65% overestimated US dependence on Middle Eastern oil, and 52% thought that by reducing smog the US has ‘come a long way’ in addressing global warming.”

Who the #**!!@#!* were they surveying? It says “Americans.” So . . . were these participants all nursing home residents with dementia?

100% of our public-school “educated” young people have been saturated with environmental studies for the past dozen years or more. In fact, one parent I work with told me his son had to watch Al Gore’s movie as part of his curriculum in three different grade-school classes.

I’ve heard and read for years that a high percentage of US high-school graduates can’t name the three main branches of our federal government and can’t read beyond a 6th grade level, but my gosh! I would have guessed that at worst, one out of ten wouldn’t be able to name a fossil fuel (Hello!?! Oil? Natural gas? Coal?), but can it possibly be true that FOUR out of ten can’t do so?

Now, I’m not ranting about the politics of the energy ~~~~~ (pick your descriptive noun: “crisis,” “situation,” “swindle,” “scam,” “other”). Rather I’m appalled (there, I said it!) at the apparent oblivion of people—if, in fact, the survey results are scientific and statistically accurate within a reasonable error range. And if the results are not slanted or spun to further someone’s agenda.

Of course, what are the odds that this survey ISN’T an attempt to further somebody’s agenda?

Maybe that’s what I should be appalled at.

Hmmm.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Duke, I am the missing Steve form Michells blog. I have lost all my addresses(long story) and want to get in touch with my friend soon. Either can you send me her e-mail addres or forward mine to her p[lease. my new address is seberry@sky.com
Many thanks if you can help.
Regards Steve

Christina said...

I too am somewhat appalled, but not too surprised. In my experience a lot of people are either stupid, oblivious, or both.

kenju said...

John, I was just writing another post about the foxes and Jim called upstairs to say that the foxes were back on the deck. I ran to get my camera; the mama and 3-4 of the babies were there. I was only able to get 2 photos good enough to post (and they were shot through dirty windows and doors). They will be posted at midnight. Thanks!