STATISTICS and BIKINIS

We’re bombarded daily with all manner of statistics about this COVID-19 (Chinese) Virus. We hear experts pontificate with charts and graphs to explain their thinking. They talk about curves that spike, and curves that flatten. They tell us so many deaths per thousands for here and there and any other place they can dig up.  The political types use these statistics to spread fear, to shut down the entire country with “shelter-in-place” directives.  They spend $trillions to pay millions of workers more than they can make working.  In the process they allocate $millions for their pet projects.  All based on “solid facts” from statistical models and other medium that change daily. 

Here’s my take: “Statistics are like a bikini.  What they reveal is interesting, but what they cover up is crucial”.  It’s a reckless mad dash into the unknown.  We need a full dosage of common sense.  Not much chance.  It’s about as rare as the Dodo Bird.