Do the Numbers Lie?

I think that it is interesting that people adhere to the theory that numbers never lie. Has anyone checked the weight listed on their driver’s license lately? Do the numbers lie? Let’s just say that they are only as good as their base and only as truthful as their presenter. It is worth noting that numbers are just numbers and not set in stone truths. Like people, numbers can be manipulated.

It is interesting how many people in the position of making rather important decisions simply believe the information that they are presented. No checks. No balances. No thought to whether the information is correct or that there could be a very real ulterior motive in its presentation. Basically, all facts are not equal and all numbers should not be accepted at face value.

There are some very important decisions that will be facing Jefferson County over the next several weeks. The validity of information is of the up most importance, especially when making big financial decisions for tax payers. A smooth presentation should not be the prerequisite for a hefty check, just the same as a less than smooth presentation does not necessarily equal questionable need. Sometimes it is the crocodile that smiles.

Time and time again I have watched, from the cheap seats, as the fair of heart and the impostors have plead their case for favor with our government. Both come laden with information, brimming with facts and the numbers to back them up, and both are accepted with little or no question. No pondering at the source of the presented information, no pause to consider that it just might, maybe, be a little less than truthful. Possibly not a lie, just not a full accounting of the facts as they pertain to today’s reality. A little like an urban legend, somewhat based on the plausible but without the tricky confines of the factual or sticky boundaries of the truth. Maybe at one time the information was good. Maybe sometime in the future the information will be good. But, what counts is the here and now. Is it good today? What sets apart the truth sayers from the players? Nothing. Well, except that sometimes the players come bearing gifts of slick, colored paper and even slicker presentations that are designed to divert the eye and the mind. Usually it works.

Perhaps, I am just not as trusting as I should be. Or perhaps, the view from the cheap seats allows me to see the nervous shaking of a leg or crossing of fingers in hopes of warding off a lighting strike. Do numbers lie? Well, actually, it is people who stretch the truth to the breaking point. In fact, 60% of Americans admit to lying at least once in a 10 minute conversation. Perhaps if we can keep presentations to under five minutes we will have a better chance of getting the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Then again, probably not.