“The fact that an opinion has been widely held is no evidence whatever that it is not utterly absurd; indeed in view of the silliness of the majority of mankind, a widespread belief is more likely to be foolish than sensible.” – Bertrand Russell

In listening to the news tonight, it was revealed that in the current Pew poll more people than before believe that President Obama was not born in America, and that he is a Muslim, by faith. Neither of those statements are true. When I heard that, I recalled the words of Bertrand Russell. Politicians are often misunderstood because of insidious campaigns to make the general public think something that does not ring true.

The older I get, the more I question what people say, and why they say it, which is probably a good defense mechanism to not getting roped into issues and events that are “absurd.” If I want to hear a bunch of malarkey, all I need to do is to turn on a certain news channel to hear outrageous and far-fetched statements. Some Americans are allowing themselves to have the wool pulled over their eyes when it comes to politics and politicians.

I’m glad I don’t think about such things until they are brought to my attention. After all, there may be some non-terrorist Muslims who are quiet, law-abiding citizens who wish no one else harm. In fact, I met one lady who falls into that category. It would be great if the mass hysteria would stop. In good news tonight, our combat troops have withdrawn from Mission Iraqi Freedom. We are making progress. Now, let’s get out of Afghanistan. It only makes sense.

Patricia Cummings