Tuesday, February 2, 2010

If It’s Another Meaningless, Unscientific Survey on Rail Transit, Today Must Be Groundhog Day

Call it further evidence that society and culture are on a dumbing-down track. Everywhere you look on the local media’s websites you find surveys – on Furlough Fridays, taxation, graffiti, rail transit, whatever.

“We really, truly, honestly, most assuredly do want to know what you think” is the message, but tiny type reminds you the results are not scientific and therefore are worthless. Example: A poll out there today gives visitors three options to vote on rail transit – two against and one for. Need we say more?

We will say more. The most recent scientific public opinion survey conducted on the Honolulu rail transit project found strong public support. We’ve mentioned the Q-Mark survey results several times, particularly on November 3 and November 6, and also noted how the media – which presumably are oh so interested in knowing what you think – incredibly have failed to report those results. The only mention the Honolulu Advertiser’s lead rail reporter has seen fit to give the poll was in a story that implied non-existent improprieties about the survey company.

Scientific polling is the only kind that matters, unlike these media surveys that attract hyper-active rail opponents like dogs attract fleas.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Doug,

There are a lot of squeaky wheels out there that won't stop squeaking even after they're given lots of grease.

No amount of well-reasoned arguments will ever make these short-sighted people believe that rail is needed and that the concept is supported by a majority of residents.

The best that can be hoped is these squeaky wheels (and they're not made of steel) won't be given undeserved credibility.

Doug Carlson said...

You have that exactly right! Like any issue, those opposed to it make the most noise. The others we talk to are surprised any of this is still kicking around. The good news from Washington DOT today should put to rest much of the Governor's alleged "concern" about financing.