Figures count -- and, understanding them even more.

In many ways (and much to its credit) America is so data driven. That said, in daily practice we are wanting. We rush to conclusions which are simply erroneous. Maybe it's because reference points are unknown or considered irrelevant.

As a nation, we are dreadful at accessing risk. A poor knowledge of math (and even practice of arithmetic) has something to do with it.

Many thanks Ed Dolan.