Every now and then I
see “man-on-the-street” interviews in which random people at a mall or random
people on a busy street are asked relatively simple, basic questions, about
political issues or matters of American history. These interviews reveal that many people are
woefully uninformed when it comes to these matters.
So, when I see polls
which tell how the American public feels about some slightly more complex issue
I must admit I am skeptical regarding the value of such information.
If many average
people cannot identify a picture of the Vice President of the United States or
provide his name, what are we supposed to think when we encounter the results
of a poll which tells us the opinion of the public regarding some type of policy
initiative? Are these poll results
reflecting the opinions of, basically, the same folks who are unable to tell us
whether or not Lincoln finished out his final term in office?
If some group seeks
to influence us by reporting the results of a poll which claims to provide
insight into the public opinion about a matter it would probably be wise for us
to be careful and discerning when it comes to our interpretation of those poll
results and their usefulness.
