The sample size is far too small and non-representative given that the speakers originated in only 5 geographical areas in the US -- Washington, DC, Rochester, Sacramento, Humboldt and Princeville, N.C. -- the almost exclusive AA community data source for the samples. (The southern inflection alone would account for almost all the error rate). Snipping up the limited original vocal samples into thousands of sound bites just to apply statistical metrics is hand waving at best. Akin to "We took DNA samples from every part of the body". To derive almost ANYTHING other than general cultural difference errors from this study is a serious stretch of logic. This looks like another "To a hammer, everything looks like a nail' papers to fulfill the "Publish or Perish" requirement.

As long as there is no immediate benefit to the masses from space exploration (or science in general) it will always be playing second or third fiddle to "glamor" policies like war and social programs.

What looks better on the tube --- enemies getting their asses kicked and old people looking neglected or the 1 minute orgasmic thrill of a rocket booster launch. Like a firework, a quick flame and WHOOSH, gone from view. Who cares about data collection and knowledge increases --- much too cerebral for Joe Blow voter. Whereas blown up "enemy installations" and insurgent body counts make for much better evening news updates. Throw in a few vacant-eyed old people scrapping by on SS only and you have yourself NEWS AT 11 everyday.

So sad, but almost inevitable, given attention spans of the masses, it's "What They Want" after all ...