It's how you ask the question that matters

[andrewducker]

The New York Times took a poll.  They asked half the people whether they thought that gay men and lesbians should be allowed to serve openly in the US army.  60% said yes.  They asked the other half whether they thought that homosexuals should be allowed to serve openly in the US army.  44% said yes.

One can only assume that people are made of crazy.  And stupid.

From

Comments

[coalescent.livejournal.com]

"68% think we spend too much on foreign aid. 59% think it should be cut"

(Yeah, the semiotics comments are more relevant, but this is funnier!)

[andrewducker]

On a similar note, there was a recent poll put together by The Metro (owned by The Mail), which said "We spend X amount on foreign aid - is this enough?"

Because most people said "Yes" they led with a headline of "We're spending enough - stop now!". If most people had answered no then they could have led with "We're not spending enough! Spend more!" and either way round the government looks bad...

[badbookworm.livejournal.com]

Then you get headlines like "Is Andrew Ducker Corrupt?" or even "Andrew Ducker Not Corrupt, Claims Government Spokesman", which immediately make people think Andrew Ducker is corrupt even if it has never previously crossed their minds.

I'm sure you're not corrupt, btw.

[andrewducker]

Well, not _very_.

[badbookworm.livejournal.com]

I have to admit that, having just re-read those headlines, I'm having my doubts.