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From: "Chad R. Meiners" <crmeiners@hotmail.com>
Newsgroups: comp.lang.ada
Subject: Re: += in ada
Date: Thu, 16 Oct 2003 23:52:27 -0400
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Date: 2003-10-16T23:52:27-04:00
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"Russ" <18k11tm001@sneakemail.com> wrote in message
news:bebbba07.0310161837.7efd9995@posting.google.com...
> Sometimes the minority is right and the majority is wrong, but usually
> it's the other way around.

Really?  I have observed that the majority often believes what is convenient
as opposed to what is true.  For instance the majority of drivers believe
that they are above average drivers.

> For example, some people believe the earth
> is flat, but most believe it is roughly spherical. I think the
> majority is right in that case.

The majority use to believe that the earth was flat.

>  However, I don't think they are right
> *because* they hold the majority view; I think they hold the majority
> view *because* they are obviously right.

It is an error to view "the majority" as an entity

> The "burden of proof" falls
> naturally on the minority.

The burden of proof falls naturally on those who assert. It does not matter
whether this person belongs to the majority or the minority.

>  If you think the earth is flat, go ahead
> and try to prove it. Until you do, I'll stick with the majority.

Would it not be better to stick with evidence as oppose to the (often
incorrect) opinion of the majority?