from polls to the next dark age

90% of people polled said the government should rely on polls in making decisions of importance for this country.

Apparently that 90% feels making decisions based on public concerns is more important that professional assessments or scientific studies that actually measure the severity of the real threat and the probability of it occurring.

From that I conclude that the direct economic impact of the fear is more important than the physical and psychological impact on our health and safety (indirect economic impact).

I suppose right-wing nuts would argue the direct economic impact of the fear affects people's ability to buy the things they need to protect and defend themselves. That may be convenient for marketing folk across the country, but given the environmental consequences on our emotions, our society and our planet, doesn't that seem at least a little shortsighted?

Further, doesn't the complacency and conformism created by this over-confidence increase the magnitude of spectacle required for people who desperately want attention to adjust popular attitudes? Like greenhouse gases accelerating global warming and causing more frequent and violent storms, I predict the economic path we are on will lead to a significant increase in frequency and severity of social violence. With the associated increase in fear (spurred on by the media of course), people will sooner or later lose all remaining faith in their governments and turn first to their religious leaders for reassurance, and then to their local warlords to defend what little resources they have left.

We are plunging headfirst into the next dark age but are too obsessed with our ability to make, sell and buy useless toys to know it.

(PS. The sample size of this poll was 0 so is statistically meaningless, as most polls are for things of real importance.)