Statistics

You can do anything with statistics. It has been said often and truly.

A mate of mine insisted, this is in the early '70s, that he and his recent bride were avid supporters of the breast-feeding of children.

He was so adamant I had to press him further. He told me that 80% of people in prison at that time were bottle-fed.

I mentioned that at the time those people were children the decision to bottle-feed babies accounted for some 90% of cases (from my information gathered as a mid-wife from my fellow mid-wives).

Taken together those figures would seem to indicate that there is more likelihood that a breast-fed child would end up in prison.

I suppose you have guessed that I don't have many true friends. But then, who does?

An advert, or, rather, item of propaganda (**), on Australian TV claimed that in 45% of boating accidents alcohol was involved.

I've done my time in boats and on the waterways with mates in Australia. I have to tell you I estimate that in more than 55%, much more than 55%, of boating adventures, alcohol is involved. Oh yes.

So how come the non-drinkers are causing a disproportionate number of accidents?

(OK, it is nowhere near rigorous, but I could not resist it).

** I say "propaganda" because an advert advertises products and services. A government version of what looks like the same thing seeks to change ideas, influence public opinion, and not to promote sales. It is qualitatively different.