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