From The Shores Of Lake Glimmerglass

 

“Whenever the government of the United States shall break up, it will probably be in consequence of a false direction having been given to public opinion. This is the weak point of our defenses, and the part to which the enemies of the system will direct all their attacks. Opinion can be so perverted as to cause the false to seem true; the enemy, a friend, and the friend, an enemy; the best interests of the nation to appear insignificant, and the trifles of moment; in a word, the right the wrong, the wrong the right. In a country where opinion has sway, to seize upon it, is to seize upon power. As it is a rule of humanity that the upright and well-intentioned are comparatively passive, while the designing, dishonest, and selfish are the most untiring in their efforts, the danger of public opinion’s getting a false direction is four-fold, since few men think for themselves.”

-James Fenimore Cooper

Assignment of Risk

 In the battle against the Covid-19 terror, epidemiologists have advised government figures to require masks and social distancing to prevent its spread and reduce the possibilities of sickness and death among the surrounding population and to protect each individual as well.

 

Since January 1, 2006, 324 people have been the victims of violent homicide in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago. Yet during this time there has been no advisory issued or requirement mandated by public health authorities or government officials that bullet-proof vests be worn by shoppers on West Madison Street. 

From "Watts Up With That"

". . . consider that Voltaire predicted just such an eventuality when he said ‘Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.’ Global warming is the biggest absurdity of the modern era – it can’t happen in theory and hasn’t happened in practice. A big absurdity begets a proportionate atrocity."