Statistics, one of my favorite subjects (and one that I generally had the highest grade in each class). Statistics are a great tool, but are too often used by those that do not even understand the simpliest of topics like the difference between alpha and beta errors.
I took numerous stat classes in the pursuit of math oriented undergraduate and multiple graduate degrees. To this day, I have a 10 volume set regarding statistical science (probably over 100 lb of text).
I clearly see both sides of this issue and I happily note the good and the bad (just like guns).
Some of my favorite statistical comments:
Statistics (properly performed) never lie, but liers use Statistics (only a few of the sources realize their data is biased). A national full color newspaper was noted in several classes on the improper use of statistics for their color charts or graphs (only showing the ends of bar charts, generating a bias in the way the data was interputed by readers that then expressed their views in polls, perhaps even well conducted ones?).
The doctor to his worried transplant heart recipient (when hearing there was a 50% chance of survival); have no fear the guy yesterday died so you should be OK.
Garbage in = garbage out (some here have noted the joy they received in harassing the harassers)
63.4% (or pick your favorite number) of data presented is made up on the spot! (I think Dilbert is the source).
Being prequalified to take the poll (asking prequestions with answers that coorelate with their targeted response) - creating intentional bias.
There is some excellant use of statistics, it is just really hard for an individual to know if they are seeing the results of it. There are very accurate predictions of voting results, but is tallying self-reported voting after the fact (upon leaving the voting booth) a prediction or just the proper use of statistics to report what just happened?
Statistics are not good or bad, but a combination of math (what is thought to be truth) and science (thoery that seems to represent the world we live in) that produces a tool (sometimes used well and sometimes not).
Guns are not good or bad, but a combination of metals and propellants (sorry plastic lovers) that produce a tool (sometimes used well and sometimes not).
In each case:
There are experts
There are novices and beginners
There are illegal acts (knowly and unknowly)
There are the clueless
Guns and statistics should not generate emotion themselves, only the acts of people using them should be judged.
But I can tell good versus bad statistics; it only depends on if I agree with the results!
I'm like 58% sure that 70% of this post is 90% bull****. No, make that 59.6%.