The dividing line between them, I'm beginning to realize, is those who get the majority of their news from chain emails and (if they are particularly well informed) right-wing talk radio; and those who generally dwell in reality.
This is the conversation I just had with a fairly representative member of the former camp.
Co-worker: Are our politicians stupid or what?
me: why's that?
Co-worker: if they would have split the $700 billion among taxpayers we would have each gotten $600,000! Economic problems solved!
me (breaking out the calculator): ummm, not exactly. $700 billion divided by 200 million people is about $3,000 per person.
co-worker (confused look on face): that can't be right. I'll forward you the email, its from some economist.
me: Are you sure it wasn't from a third grader? (actually I didn't say that)
A country cannot function when its citizens are this easily swindled.
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