You’ve heard of the computer science acronym “GIGO”: Garbage In, Garbage Out? Computers don’t have a monopoly on GIGO; pollsters love it too. For example, this poll demonstrates the garbage-in principle quite well.
Yes, I am glad that politicians are using online tools to reach out to people. It is high time that issues of energy and transportation are in the public consciousness.
Ok, no more Mr. Rogers. I’m done being nice now. The poll bent me out of shape a little bit. Here’s why:
1. Using a traditional radio button format for a poll is pretty weak in my opinion. It is a common approach, sure. But it constrains responses to pre-defined choices. Why not allow free-form text entries? Just an idea, not really a stinging criticism, I admit. No one ever got fired for using a radio-button poll!
2. I don’t like that only one response is allowed. Such a poll reflects a (flawed) mentality that one option is “best” or a “silver bullet.” We need to wise up and plan for multiple future scenarios. We need to hedge our bets.
3. The given options are far from comprehensive. Why not also list ideas such as:
- Implement energy conservation programs
- Improve our electric infrastructure
- Drastically reduce our need for gasoline
- Launch an “apollo program” for solar energy
- Elect Barack Obama (my favorite)*
4. The poll also presumes that “gas should be affordable.” But that is not what really matters. What really matters here is making transportation affordable. We could be more broad — what really matters? Quality of life is what really matters. Let’s make it affordable and safe to travel between work, home, and third places. Now we’re talking about urban planning, commuting, mass transit, cycling, and walking.
Conclusion
Energy, economic vitality, and transportation are the core issues here. Gasoline is only one fuel source; we should not view the debate only the terms of oil. Let’s put our priorities in the right places. Our leaders should lead by framing questions in ways that elevate the public debate. The poll above does the wrong thing; it reduces our collective intelligence.
* In case it wasn’t already obvious, let me share my personal biases. I do not see McCain as being a good choice to lead America into the next four years. I want a President who understands problems at their core (i.e. transportation, quality of life, healthcare, and economics) and can apply this understanding to lead and solve the millions of surface problems (i.e. pain caused by the rising cost of oil, lives lost in Iraq, the economic cost of Iraq.)
One Comment
I agree, in large, with what you have here, but I feel that much of what you wrote is based more in your disapproval of Sen. McCain’s bid for presidency than the poll (and its choices) itself. After all, Sen. Obama and his advisors often employ the same polling methods, which is one reasons why the left is now attacking him for running a focus group-based campaign to the center.
Post a Comment