Good old email, never fails to make folks think there's more there than there really is. Relax, Patrick, it's a misunderstanding. Your post tonight reminded me of my own past experiences, which are the "stupid" people I was referring to. Understand that there is a difference between people hoping for a break in the weather, and those who honestly believe a telescope can "see through clouds". While 20 years ago I had far more interest in the cosmic tour-guide role for the public, today my leisure time (meaning time for all hobbies) is severely limited- almost non-existent- I really am not able to structure my life around astronomy- and I will not waste what precious little of that time there is on people who refuse to believe that it's the truth when I tell them that my telescope can't see through the clouds, or think I'm a terrible person for not letting them in on some technological secret. Those are the rude jerks I was talking about- so please don't infer any attitude of condescension on my part, directed at those who don't deserve it. Can you see where you made some incorrect assumptions? I was writing about MY experiences, NOT yours. Yours just triggered memories. I fully agree that enthusiasm and hope against the odds are good traits. But those traits don't always accompany apathetic ignorance, suspicion, and yes, garden-variety stupidity. --- Patrick Wiggins <paw@trilobyte.net> wrote:
Chuck Hards wrote:
How do these people graduate from high-school and remain so utterly, profoundly stupid?
Profoundly stupid? How about enormously interested?
While part of me does wonder what folks are doing showing up in the rain, I also like to think that they are so interested in astronomy and in sharing it with their family, that they are willing to show up even when they know the odds are against them.
We need more people with that kind of interest in science.
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