My letter to "The Ethicist" at the NY Times re: Popular Delusions

From: Patrick Barron
Sent: Sunday, May 17, 2020 9:32 AM
To: ethicist@nytimes.com
Subject: Popular Delusions

 

Dear Judge Hodgman,

In reference to your response to a college professor who is troubled by a colleague who "spouted bizarre conspiracy theories and generally denied the severity of this (coronavirus) virus", you recommended students read Charles Mackay's 1841 classic "Memoirs of Popular Delusions". Yes! By all means, recommend this book! May I also suggest that students read "Damned Lies and Statistics" by Joel Best. Both will open one's eyes to how public opinion can be manipulated.

Sincerely,

Patrick Barron

20 McMullan Farm Lane

West Chester, PA 19382

Phone: 610-793-3605

Judge Hodgman has a "Dear Abby" or "Ann Landers" type column in the Sunday NY Times. Frankly I find his answers not up to par with Abby and Ann. In this case, he had severely ridiculed the college professor who refused to toe the government and main stream media line about the coronavirus. I wonder if he will recognize my jibe that at the present time we really don't know which side is delusional.

Pat Barron

PB