Educators and other people regularly bemoan the lack of critical thinking skills people have. Most people can't use logic or think things through. Why? Maybe because things like the following are considered NEWS!
"The smoking referendum before Austin voters could go either way, depending on who heads to the polls, according to political consultants on both sides of the measure." (link requires registration . . . use bugmenot.com)
Yes, it's reported as news in a newspaper that the results of the election will depend on who votes for it and who votes against it. Duh!