The power of propaganda

Selwin Duke writes in New American,

…Monmouth University reports on its poll, which surveyed 802 American adults between November 9 and 12: “Nearly 8-in-10 Americans (78%) believe the world’s climate is undergoing a change that is causing more extreme weather patterns and sea level rise, up from 70% in December 2015. Of note, nearly two-thirds of Republicans (64%) now believe in climate change, a 15 point jump from just under half (49%) three years ago. However, belief in climate change continues to be higher among Democrats (92%, up from 85% in 2015) and independents (78%, up from 74%).”

If the survey is accurate, it is a testimonial to the power of propaganda and perception. As for extreme weather, note that the average number of category 3 or higher hurricanes making United States landfall each decade since 1851 is six. Yet the figure for the 1981-1990 and 1991-2000 periods has been five each; there were three from 2001 to 2004, and none during the decade preceding the 2016 hurricane season.

Read more here.