I don’t know how it is elsewhere, but in America we often choose to believe narratives rather than facts. That’s why union members vote for anti-union politicians and President Obama is referred to as a “socialist” after returning Wall Street to dizzying heights. Our delusional egos are often more important to us than even our self-interests, our fantasies dearer than our realities.

Below: The great George Carlin holds forth on advertising and other forms of deeply ingrained American bullshit.