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Sobering Chart
We make assumptions all the time in our lives. One assumption is that “normal” people are as in-tune with the 4 level chess we participate in daily. Nope. They are barely playing checkers.
From WAPO
While browsing around the Pew polling site this morning — and, yes, we do a fair amount of that — we came across a chart on the Supreme Court that reminded us, for the billionth time, that assuming the average person follows the back and forth of Washington as closely as we do is a major mistake.
Without further ado, here’s the chart:
CrustyB
April 19th, 2012
It’s Flip Wilson, right?
simply enraged
April 19th, 2012
So, who did they survey? Obastard? Dumbie Whatshername Schitz? The democrat members of the House and Senate? Academia? The “news” media? Don’t we have to know the sample to properly interpret these findings?
norman einstein
April 19th, 2012
@simply, judging by these results, I’d say it was “multiple choice”.
The 8% who voted for Thurgood Marshall didn’t come up with his name all by themselves, especially since he’s been dead for nearly 20 years!
In any event, it’s impossible to underestimate the “general knowledge” of the mouth-breathing masses.
Did you see the Spring Break post of the college kids last month? Pathetic!
TooMuchTime
April 19th, 2012
When Jay Leno asked people on the street who lived at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, most had no idea. When he asked who lived in a pineapple under the sea, everyone answered “SPONGE-BOB-SQUARE-PANTS!”
Maybe the prez needs a catchier tune than Hail to the Chief.
ChiefIlliniCake
April 19th, 2012
Despite all of the cheering articles I’ve read speculating over Romney’s likely success, this is what keeps me up at night.
Just last week, one of my co-workers (and also, BTW, my brother-in-law and father of FIVE of my nieces and nephews) asked me, straight faced, “who is this Trayvon Lewis dude and what did he do?”
42 years old. College educated, Father of five. Architect by training.
And no, I’m not fucking kidding you.
He’s but one of the millions and millions of folks who have Dancing with the Stars, Celebrity Apprentice, Jersey Shore, watching sports, etc. etc. as their only news source.
Needless to say, I spanked him relentlessly on his lack of diligence as a white fucking American male with WAAAAYYYY too many obligations to his family and our society and nation be so woefully and willfully ignorant, but he’s emblematic of the bigger issue, to be sure.
Obama is planning on, COUNTING ON, this country’s collective ignorance.
CrustyB
April 19th, 2012
Years ago I was talking to a 30-year-old, college graduate co-worker about seeing Abraham Lincoln’s death bed at a museum. She said, “How did he die again?”
Chuck O
April 19th, 2012
The first grader that lives in my home knows who Joe Biden is and over half polled don’t know who is Chief Justice? sheesh.
Wyatt, Insensitive Jerk
April 19th, 2012
We have a Supreme Court?
reader
April 19th, 2012
There so many astoundingly stupid people out there and the scary thing is they just don’t care. My 52 year old boss has NO CLUE who any key players are in our country and doesn’t want to learn but has literally said “it’s very important to keep up with these people” in regards to pseudo-celebrity reality star types. I’m 35 years old and her attitude simultaneously repulses me and makes me want to weep. The worst thing is, I think she represents the majority.
Papadoc
April 19th, 2012
There is a defensible rationale for limiting the vote, as it was in the early years of the Republic. Universal suffrage has many drawbacks.
ChiefIlliniCake
April 19th, 2012
Papadoc
A commendably sophisticated way of phrasing that allowing gals (not all, but way too many) and the great unwashed to vote has led to some “situations” in this great land of ours.
If I really were the Chief I would set the voting age at 30, you would speak English, produce an ID, not be a felon, not owe child support, and and have a current address, a paid property tax bill, and a W-2 form.
Welfare recipients (beyond a certain reasonable minimal time period on the dole) need not apply.
Hell, don’t apply at all, now that I think of it.
Same goes for Social Security. I’m sick of people voting themselves funds from our Treasury.
I guess what I’m saying is ya have to have skin in the game.
PS: There would also be a Constitution Test like you took in High School before the ID was granted.
Notice that race, gender, sexual orientation, etc. have not been mentioned. Just take care of your shit is all I’m asking for. And be able to prove it.
Sorry. I’m firm, but fair.
Mary Jane Anklestraps
April 19th, 2012
Judge Dredd?
RosalindJ
April 19th, 2012
I find being among the 8% somewhat alarming.
I mean, this was 13 questions of drop-dead easy.
http://pewresearch.org/politicalquiz/quiz/index.php
RosalindJ
April 19th, 2012
I like the diplomatic way they answer the question “Why don’t your surveys ever reflect the opinions of people I know?”
Paging Pauline Kael.
Tim
April 19th, 2012
Diana Ross?
Tim
April 19th, 2012
All seriousness aside, that chart is the perfect depiction of how BO got elected.
Maudie N Mandeville
April 19th, 2012
The scientific poll was skewed 72% Dumbocrats/ 28% John Roberts Republicans.
MaryfromMarin
April 19th, 2012
Would the results have been worse or better if it had been multiple choice?
I don’t think I want to know.