Most of us understand the basics of statistics. Simple ideas, such as the concept of an Average, is taught with the very basics of elementary math.
Perhaps that's why it's so disturbing when we see them bantered about for evil purposes.
Last week, a televised news report was aired slamming the President on his energy policies and their direct contribution to the high price of gasoline. This reporting network is well known as being in support of conservatives and against the current administration. However, regardless of your politics, they cannot be excused for their slanted ignorance when they stated - "Almost half of the consumers are paying more than the average price of gasoline".
Now, I'm sure many people didn't hear the subtlety of the comment. Some people may have been upset at how half of us are being subjected to a higher than average price. What we should be upset about is how a news channel, that supposedly hires college graduates, can let such a comment make the air. Then again, perhaps they hire the lowest 10% of the class. I understand they make up almost 1 in 10 of the graduates.
Next week we'll discuss how the lottery is a tax on the mathematically challenged.
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