What Do You Think?
Remember back in 2004, when they took that poll? Of course you do. It was the one where about 70 percent of Republicans thought George Bush supported the Kyoto protocol. Lots of Republicans thought George Bush supported a lot of minor popular liberal positions (which those Republicans themselves supported.) Democrats laughed ruefully at that one. I guess some of them thought they could score big political points that way, but of course they were wrong.
I bring this up because it is really hard to tell what preposterous beliefs people have unless you bluntly ask. Someone might go his whole life quietly believing in flying saucers, but never have to elaborate on his belief. After all, when was the last time you said that you didn't believe in flying saucers? It is not considered nice to try too hard to find out what other people believe.
Which is too bad, because I'm pretty sure we'd find out some scary things if we tried. Try reading this petition by Miss Christina Halven (8th grade). I know she's only 13 or so, but there are also hundreds of comments on her petition by people who are presumably allowed to vote. Skim through the petitions, and tell me what you think of my theory:
Many people, I can't say how many, believe that A) All the nicotine in cigarettes is added to cause people to become addicted to them. B) Formaldehyde and other "chemicals" are the chief dangers of smoking cigarettes (the Canadian government requires formaldehyde warnings to appear on some cigarette packages). C) The second biggest danger of smoking cigarettes is the tar and other hydrocarbons.
And the trouble is, unless you take a poll, a very carefully worded poll, you will never know if people believe these things. Maybe my theory doesn't fit anyone, but anti-tobacco advocates are just really inarticulate. So how about it Gallup? Something to relax with after the election. Honestly, the only thing that would be more jolly than a frank look at American opinions about cigarettes is those anti-smoking PSAs. Are they supposed to be as much fun as they are? Either way, life is good.
I bring this up because it is really hard to tell what preposterous beliefs people have unless you bluntly ask. Someone might go his whole life quietly believing in flying saucers, but never have to elaborate on his belief. After all, when was the last time you said that you didn't believe in flying saucers? It is not considered nice to try too hard to find out what other people believe.
Which is too bad, because I'm pretty sure we'd find out some scary things if we tried. Try reading this petition by Miss Christina Halven (8th grade). I know she's only 13 or so, but there are also hundreds of comments on her petition by people who are presumably allowed to vote. Skim through the petitions, and tell me what you think of my theory:
Many people, I can't say how many, believe that A) All the nicotine in cigarettes is added to cause people to become addicted to them. B) Formaldehyde and other "chemicals" are the chief dangers of smoking cigarettes (the Canadian government requires formaldehyde warnings to appear on some cigarette packages). C) The second biggest danger of smoking cigarettes is the tar and other hydrocarbons.
And the trouble is, unless you take a poll, a very carefully worded poll, you will never know if people believe these things. Maybe my theory doesn't fit anyone, but anti-tobacco advocates are just really inarticulate. So how about it Gallup? Something to relax with after the election. Honestly, the only thing that would be more jolly than a frank look at American opinions about cigarettes is those anti-smoking PSAs. Are they supposed to be as much fun as they are? Either way, life is good.
posted by apk01004 at 8:23 PM
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