Originally Posted by GUWonder
There may be "lies, damned lies and statistics", but not all stats are lies. Of course those who fear data-based conclusions which do not feed their love will bring up that "books are cooked". Regardless of what some may say, sometimes a cigar is a cigar and 1+1 = 2.
I agree, I happen to be a big fan of math and science, just not statistics. I entrust my life and safety to math and science on a regular basis. I can calculate the fuel requirements, weight and balance of my plane, take off into the clouds and safely navigate to my destination based on math and science, I trust it. If the government or a news agency conducts a study or survey and releases the results, I immediately consider it to be propoganda and I don't trust it until I see the raw data.
If I were to create a statistical survey to determine the legitimacy that pi=3.1415..., I could poll 3,000 fundamental Christians who believe the biblical interpretation that the diameter of a circle is exactly 1/3 it's circumference, I may very well be able to release the shocking results and revelation that pi=3 instead of 3.1415...., thereby discrediting every seventh grade geometry teacher from Maine to Monterey. 1+1 indeed.