New statistic! 20% of Americans think the universe is geocentric!

[Winston]

I'm not being obtuse. What I'm trying to say is that personal beliefs for the sake of 'comfort'/peace of mind has no connection to how people form their political views.

In relation to the article, if some people think the Sun revolves around Earth, good for them - as long as they're not involved with any space operations or frontline astronomical research. Others who know better can point and laugh, but aside from that this is just useless sensationalism.

As for my other remark, I don't think it was totally out of line considering you were very quick to establish the connection between superstition and voting.

[Proteus_MST]

Originally posted by Winston


Ah, I didn't get that Q Cubed, you're right.

My mom believes in reincarnation, gnomes, fairies and beautiful music playing in outer space. That's her. Since she's in no position of authority on these or any related subjects, what does it really matter?

SO she believes in Azathoth?

“...that last amorphous blight of nethermost confusion which blasphemes and bubbles at the centre of all infinity-the boundless daemon-sultan Azathoth, whose name no lips dare speak aloud, and who gnaws hungrily in inconceivable, unlighted chambers beyond time amidst the muffled, maddening beating of vile drums and the thin, monotonous whine of accursed flutes; to which detestable pounding and piping dance slowly, awkwardly, and absurdly the gigantic ultimate gods, the blind, voiceless, tenebrous, mindless Other Gods whose soul and messenger is the crawling chaos Nyarlathotep.” (H.P.Lovecraft “The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath”)

[Kuciwalker]

Originally posted by chegitz guevara
I don't see any sublty, Q³. It looks like a stright forward endorsment.

That's odd, because it was clear to me that Q^3 was being just a tad sarcastic. I mean, that should be clear solely from the fact that it's Q^3 posting this, and he's not usually one to seriously post an article like this.

[Odin]

This is another reason why public opinion means diddly squat.

[Winston]

I think I'd better call her in the morning.

[KrazyHorse]

It has no connection to how they form their political views?

Bull****. If I believe that the Earth is the centre of the Universe and that the stars, planets, Moon and Sun are simply paint on a celestial canvas then will I vote for a party which wants to explore the Moon? Obviously not.

How can you claim that any false beliefs held by the public will not affect political decisions?

Hell, we've seen some public schools in the US teaching creationism. We've seen Europe go overboard in banning the importation of GM food. Both of those are due to poor scientific understanding in the public.

[Winston]

Or it might be a basic difference of opinion. Which is after all what our democracy is based upon.

I think very few people would require that everbody be right on everything in order to have the right to vote. Especially seeing as how 'universal truths' have such strong tendency to be replaced by brand new, bigger and improved ones, as time goes by.

[MOBIUS]

Nice to see Winston defending the stupid people...

[Winston]

Oh shut up, you intolerable moron.

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by KrazyHorse
It has no connection to how they form their political views?

Bull****. If I believe that the Earth is the centre of the Universe and that the stars, planets, Moon and Sun are simply paint on a celestial canvas then will I vote for a party which wants to explore the Moon? Obviously not.

Bush wants to send men to Mars. Im sure a very large number of the folks who voted for him think thats a poor idea, as compared to say, using the money for tax cuts, or invading Syria. And some folks who like Mars exploration, voted against Bush anyway. I dont know how to break this sad fact to you, but astronomy and physics related issues dont dominate too many elections in the western world

Now global warming is something else again, but plenty of folks who ARE good copernicans dont seem to understand THAT

[KrazyHorse]

Originally posted by Winston
Or it might be a basic difference of opinion. Which is after all what our democracy is based upon.

It's in everybody's interest to have differences of opinion based on reality rather than fantasy. Which neither creationism nor GM phobia is.

I think very few people would require that everbody be right on everything in order to have the right to vote.

Stop putting words in my mouth. I never advocated disenfranchising anybody based on their knowledge. I'm advocating better scientific education.

[Odin]

Originally posted by Winston
Or it might be a basic difference of opinion. Which is after all what our democracy is based upon.

I think very few people would require that everbody be right on everything in order to have the right to vote. Especially seeing as how 'universal truths' have such strong tendency to be replaced by brand new, bigger and improved ones, as time goes by.

Looks like Winston has just fallen for post-modernism.

[Odin]

Originally posted by KrazyHorse

Hell, we've seen some public schools in the US teaching creationism. We've seen Europe go overboard in banning the importation of GM food. Both of those are due to poor scientific understanding in the public.

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by KrazyHorse


It's in everybody's interest to have differences of opinion based on reality rather than fantasy. Which neither creationism nor GM phobia is.



Stop putting words in my mouth. I never advocated disenfranchising anybody based on their knowledge. I'm advocating better scientific education.

who exactly has opposed that? I dont see what it has to do with Winstons mom though.

And do call her Winston. Im sure you wont regret it.

[MOBIUS]

Originally posted by Winston
Oh shut up, you intolerable moron.

Obviously hit a raw nerve there...