Someone has written of believing six impossible things before breakfast. It is strange what impossible things we believe when we think it is to our advantage to do so.

For example:

– that tobacco smoke is harmless;

– that global warming is a myth;

– that American missile sites on Russian borders will promote world peace;

– that we can best promote peace through exploitation and force;

– that insulting someone else’s religion does not threaten world harmony;

– that Israeli “settlements” in Arab lands should be accepted graciously by the Arabs;

– that privatization of health care will be less costly and more effective than one-payer health care;

– that higher profits for millionaires promote the general economic welfare of the country;

– that we can promote world justice by denying justice and ignoring international law.

Strange.