DADT: Johhn McCain knows nothing about statistics

[RobinFinderson]

Did he learn that in architectural school?

Nope. I learned it in a college statistics class. I was a math minor, and paid for my BYU education by working as a math TA.

Anyhow, I've just looked into [ame="http://www.scribd.com/doc/44414049/DADT-Survey-Findings"]DADT Survey Findings[/ame], and it is solid. The poll was offered to the ENTIRE target population, thus eliminating the need for randomization. While statman is correct, that the poll could show some bias resulting from the voluntary nature of the poll, this criticism holds true for ALL polls (except those forced on people at gunpoint... which would presumably display a different kind of bias). To accept statman's criticism is to reject all statistical studies that rely on surveys, since they will ultimately only reflect the views of the population willing to complete a survey. I find it ironic that someone named 'statman' is basically offering cover for everyone to ignore all professionally administered statistical survey results. Anyhow, why statman would assume that the population of military servicemen and women who are willing to complete surveys would not contain a fairly even distribution of viewpoints on this issue is a little perplexing. Is their any good reason to assume that those people willing to complete surveys would have bias in favor of repealing DADT?

[Moliere]

Nope. I learned it in a college statistics class. I was a math minor, and paid for my BYU education by working as a math TA.

Anyhow, I've just looked into , and it is solid. The poll was offered to the ENTIRE target population, thus eliminating the need for randomization. While statman is correct, that the poll could show some bias resulting from the voluntary nature of the poll, this criticism holds true for ALL polls (except those forced on people at gunpoint... which would presumably display a different kind of bias). To accept statman's criticism is to reject all statistical studies that rely on surveys, since they will ultimately only reflect the views of the population willing to complete a survey. I find it ironic that someone named 'statman' is basically offering cover for everyone to ignore all professionally administered statistical survey results. Anyhow, why statman would assume that the population of military servicemen and women who are willing to complete surveys would not contain a fairly even distribution of viewpoints on this issue is a little perplexing. Is their any good reason to assume that those people willing to complete surveys would have bias in favor of repealing DADT?

Hey, I said this first!

I've already given my opinion that this poll gives a general feeling as to where the military personnel stand. I was not aware this was 6% of the whole military and I'll concede this is a polarizing issue that could have biased results but the size of the returned surveys by the population does give a pretty solid base to the polled general feeling. Lastly, I think we both agree on the action that needs to be taken.

[Moliere]

Either way, this is a fundamental issue of fairness and civil rights. This type of polling should have no bearing on the decision.

I agree that this is a fundamental issue of civil rights, but this leads me to a question that I've posed on CB (prior to my finding the wealth of knowledge of CUF). How come the US continues to not allow women to fight on the front lines of combat? If this is an issue of civil rights, we should allow ALL people the right to be in combat situations to the extent they can perform the duties of their position. Maybe this is the next logical step.

[Bo Diddley]

This thread highlights to me that we've come a long ways in eight years with respect to gays in the military as well as women in combat.

His politics aside, I'm saddened that we'll be losing John McCain soon. He's an American hero.

[frank ryan]

This thread highlights to me that we've come a long ways in eight years with respect to gays in the military as well as women in combat.

His politics aside, I'm saddened that we'll be losing John McCain soon. He's an American hero.

McCain's a good man. He'll be a huge loss. Especially compared to the vile person in the White House now.

[Applejack]

This thread highlights to me that we've come a long ways in eight years with respect to gays in the military as well as women in combat.

His politics aside, I'm saddened that we'll be losing John McCain soon. He's an American hero.

One of the few true patriots, putting country ahead of himself. God bless John McCain.

[Northwestcoug]

A rare voice of sanity in the GOP:

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[Jeff Lebowski]

One of the few true patriots, putting country ahead of himself. God bless John McCain.

Yep

[Uncle Ted]

One of the few true patriots, putting country ahead of himself. God bless John McCain.

JohnMcCain.jpg
https://politics.theonion.com/john-m...raq-1828584863


Yes, a hell of a fighter. God speed John McCain!

[Jeff Lebowski]

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https://politics.theonion.com/john-m...raq-1828584863


Yes, a hell of a fighter. God speed John McCain!

Déclassé.

[Surfah]

RIP.

[Walter Sobchak]

RIP.

It's a shame McCain won't be alive to see us invade Iran.

[Topper]

RIP, Senator and Commander. I can't imagine broken arms, torture and five years of imprisonment. Or Sarah Palin.

I'm glad his daughter was by his side when he passed.

[frank ryan]

Definitely a great American. Further depletes bipartisanship from the halls of Congress. RIP

[happyone]

Definately one of the good guys

May he have fair seas and a following wind

RIP