I was thinking about the effect of bias in thinking and decision making. It came up in the context of some people indicating they could not vote for Obama for president because he was black, no matter what; a predictable and unfortunate attitude with some in the American South. But it started me thinking about bias in general, where and how much weight it is given in all kinds of thinking, in the process of decision making. Firstly, I was concerned with whether it becomes a factor in evaluation, whether it is included, inappropriately, in a list of concerns which lead to a decision. That would be bad enough but what if it serves as a filter, to block the receipt of otherwise relevant information never let into the process of weighing facts and making choices on a rational basis? I was watching a TV show, book reviewing, and I decided I didn't like the necktie worn by the lecturer. It was a skimpy, pale, stripy bow tie, an utterly silly looking thing and as I looked at it, the words of the lecturer seemed to fade. Was this merely an absurd fashion bias on my part or perhaps my questioning why anyone would wear such a tie and whether the choice of wearing such a tie reflected on the quality of the judgment-making ability of the wearer, and shouldn't I take that into consideration in weighing, or even accepting the quality of his opinion, downgrade his believability or even reject everything he has to say out of hand because of his flawed judgment in necktie selection? ...more

August 11, 2008

Regarding "At Least Gore Offers A Plan" by Marsha Mercer (Other Views, Aug. 4): ...more

August 11, 2008

Wayne Dofflemyer of Bayonet Point says "nuclear" is the word some people are afraid to use in addressing America's energy future. ...more

August 2, 2008

Presidential candidate Barack Obama's Plant City stop this afternoon turned out to be at the popular tourist destination, Parkesdale Farm Market. He was accompanied by John Dicks, a Democratic congressional candidate and former mayor of Plant City. ...more

August 1, 2008

A Realtor running for county commission said he was "floored" when he learned he was not endorsed by the organization created to promote the local real estate industry. ...more

August 1, 2008

Andreas Wacker of Hudson says people should not worship the false god of money. ...more

July 30, 2008

A bribe often works to get someone to do what someone else wants. ...more

July 24, 2008

Gas Solution Yes, we all have our opinions and the most talked about and discussed subject is the high cost of gas, the higher price of food, and many other things our deliveries must bring into our stores. But the middle class working group, who is trying to get to work and is cancelling all vacations and pleasure trips, it cannot do anything to solve this problem. This must come from our political leaders. ...more

July 21, 2008

I have to figure the politicians are reading the same mail I am. There is a lot of it, it's depressing and it's angry. Last week, most of you took off on a column that talked about retirement and our expectations for making it in a collapsing economy. ...more

July 21, 2008

About 100,000 people shirked the sweltering heat Thursday to take part in one of Brandon's favorite annual traditions, the Fourth of July Parade. The 90 entries included Scout troops, politicians, veterans' and military groups and dancers of many genres. ...more

July 12, 2008