Uh oh.... Who's lying now?

- Patrick Henry, Famous anti-federalist?

Studies show how people frame the world...

Part Deux:

"motivated reasoning"

Note: This JE also focuses on the power of distraction. Shh, let's listen in...

Turns out it was actually Nathan Lane.

AGAIN!

Not that I expect different results or anything. In fact I expect even more resistance. *Nothing but a bunch commie talk* Proof that our educational system has been compromised:
Why does public conflict over societal risks persist in the face of compelling and widely accessible scientific evidence? We conducted an experiment to probe two alternative answers: the "Science Comprehension Thesis" (SCT), which identifies defects in the public's knowledge and reasoning capacities as the source of such controversies; and the "Identity-protective Cognition Thesis" (ICT) which treats cultural conflict as disabling the faculties that members of the public use to make sense of decision-relevant science. In our experiment, we presented subjects with a difficult problem that turned on their ability to draw valid causal inferences from empirical data. As expected, subjects highest in Numeracy -- a measure of the ability and disposition to make use of quantitative information -- did substantially better than less numerate ones when the data were presented as results from a study of a new skin-rash treatment. Also as expected, subjects' responses became politically polarized -- and even less accurate -- when the same data were presented as results from the study of a gun-control ban. But contrary to the prediction of SCT, such polarization did not abate among subjects highest in Numeracy; instead, it increased. This outcome supported ICT, which predicted that more Numerate subjects would use their quantitative-reasoning capacity selectively to conform their interpretation of the data to the result most consistent with their political outlooks...

The mechanics behind it was documented in the 30s, and probably long before that.. I'll have to brush up on my Plato and Aristotle.. I can only wish that more of Aristophanes stuff survived. He was kind of the Stephen Colbert of the times.

Assassins accusing the assassins... How quaint..

I am not anti-Russian. I am pro-Russian, more pro-Russian than the regime that misrules you today.

That, I can believe. He's certainly not pro-American

Anybody still remember?

Okay, that's a wrap.. Thanks people. You all were great. See ya next week, whole new episode starts...

Man, really, we need to give everybody a big hand, the producers, directors, most of all, the actors. Standing ovation for all. Barack, Vladamir, come on out and take a bow.

Time Magazine photog: "Hold it!" *click* "Thanks guys."

Q: "Rolling Stone Magazine here. Did you guys expect it to go this well?"
A: "Yeah, it was a boat race. Are we gonna be on the cover?"

Personally, I'm still watching the Raytheon stock to see if this is really over. But on the face of it, it looks like some serious ass was pulled out of the fire.

Or is everybody pairing up?

Do they really have big screen TVs on the 'L' now?

We stand on the threshold of a new beginning. In order to ensure our security and continuing stability, the Republic will be reorganized into the first Global Empire, for a safe and secure society, which I assure you will last for ten thousand years. An Empire that will continue to be ruled by this august body and a sovereign ruler chosen for life. An Empire ruled by the majority, ruled by a new constitution!

By bringing the entire planet under one law, one language, and the enlightened guidance of one individual, the corruption that plagued the Republic in its later years will never take root. Regional governors will eliminate the bureaucracy that allowed the Separatist movement to grow unchecked. A strong and growing military will ensure the rule of law.

Under the Empire's New Order, our most cherished beliefs will be safeguarded. We will defend our ideals by force of arms. We will give no ground to our enemies and will stand together against attacks from within or without. Let the enemies of the Empire take heed: those who challenge Imperial resolve will be crushed.

We have taken on a task that will be difficult, but the people of the Empire are ready for the challenge. Because of our efforts, the planet has traded war for peace and anarchy for stability. Billions of beings now look forward to a secure future. The Empire will grow as more nations feel the call, from Rio to the wilds of darkest Africa.

Imperial citizens must do their part. Join our grand fleet. Become the eyes of the Empire by reporting suspected insurrectionists. Travel to the corners of the earth to spread the principles of the New Order to barbarians. Build monuments and technical wonders that will speak of our glory for generations to come.

The Special Forces, now proudly wearing the name of Imperial stormtroopers, have tackled the dangerous work of fighting our enemies on the front lines. Many have died in their devotion to the Empire. Imperial citizens would do well to remember their example.

The New Order of peace has triumphed over the shadowy secrecy of shameful magicians. The direction of our course is clear. I will lead the Empire to glories beyond imagining.

We have been tested, but we have emerged stronger. We move forward as one people: the Imperial citizens of the first Global Empire. We will prevail. Ten thousand years of peace begins today.

Don't get uppity...

It's like Joan Rivers at Bloomingdale's...

"So we're bombing Syria because Syria is bombing Syria? And I'm the idiot?" - Sarah Palin

...the company had made government unemployment benefits a part of its buyout package... you go voluntarily and we'll agree that we laid you off.

The penalty for perjury is pretty light for some people... and for everybody when it's a matter of convenience.