From time to time I express my political views explicitly. They’re probably a lot more obvious than what I think, but bias is bias. What triggered this flare up? I frequently see a statistic indicating that 30% of Americans believe Obama is a Muslim. It’s the word “believe” that gets me in particular; yet, when it’s embedded in this sort of proposition, I feel compelled to gag. In my view this pseudo factoid is akin to claiming that the Mississippi River actually begins 5 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico. Forget that the entire watershed covers what, two thirds of the country? While we’re at it, forget also that the percentage is even higher among Republicans. I simply wish that, each time the so-called statistic is mentioned, someone might feel inclined to ask how it is that this belief was first implanted and how it has been nourished so long. It may be the very nature of “beliefs.”
portfoliolongo 
I think the right word for it should be “assume” rather than “believe”. And statistics are sometimes very “subjective” depending on who is doing it. Just thinking aloud… 🙂
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Assume, yes, much better! You are more than welcome to think aloud herein! Thank you. Even one’s assumptions are informed by a “curriculum” of sorts, even if it’s some well-financed idiot windbag with a mic and sponsors.
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Hahaha! There you go…!
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Paul- In 1979, under tremendous preassure, scrutiny, and well documented acts of bigotry and racism, Spencer Kimble, then president/prophet of the Mormon church, announced with great fanfare, that God spoke to him the night before and said it is now OK for blacks to reach the level of elder/decon. Living in Utah at the time, I asked some of my Mormon friends what they though…To the man (and woman) 100% absolutely, without question, ‘believed’ it was so…Interesting. With literally hundreds of great examples to chose, thats the one that ‘got’ you. BTW..a well placed shot at Republicans….But your definition of Hillary as a well financed idiot windbag with a mic and sponsors was spot on 🙂 But as you said, bias is bias. How the hell are you anyway?
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Hey Jim – Yea, it’s been a while! Yea, there are plenty of other examples out there. Why this one? Because the image came to me, and I felt like playing with one narrow definition of believe/belief. I’m not downplaying truth; just playing with one falsehood that should outrage everyone as much as any falsehood. I’ll get to the others in due time.
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