Serious Legislative Innumeracy

As I've already mentioned, in Serious Play, Michael Schrage, of the MIT Media Lab, examines how organizations use models, simulations, and prototypes to stimulate innovation.

Sometimes even a valid model doesn't guarantee useful communication:

A congressman who favored a "soft-technology" approach to U.S. energy needs was discussing demand projection with a modeler. He pointed out that adequate conservation measures and modest lifestyles could reduce growth of electrical demand to 2 percent per year. "But Congressman," said the modeler, "even at 2 percent per year, electrical demand will double in thirty-five years."

"That's your opinion!" exclaimed the congressman.