I never cease to be amazed at the gullibility of some people. What I've noticed, however, is the divide between "educated" gullibility and "ignorant" gullibility. An example of ignorant gullibility is the scam from the "National Bank of Nigeria" telling me my fortune is waiting for final disposition, AFTER I send them a sum of money for the last bit of legal work, of course. Obviously they're pushing people's "greed" hot button. I guess it works or else they wouldn't keep sending out such emails.
Educated people are probably too smart to fall for that. Instead, those trying to get into educated wallets tend to aim for our "vanity" hot button. I can promise you if you've ever written a letter to your Senator or Congressman, or contributed to any politician's campaign, your name is on their sucker list.
I regularly get correspondence on official letterhead from the Chairman of both the Republican and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committees commending me for my "thoughtful reasoning and civic responsibility". They tell me I'm the kind of person Senator _____ would like to have on his Grass Roots Steering Committee, advising the good Senator on issues that affect us all.
But first, of course, Sen. _____ must get re-elected. Won't I please be a sport and give (pick one) $100, $500, $1,000, or more? And as a thank you, Senator _____ will rush me a lapel pin signifying to the world what a VIP I am. WooHoo!
(Umm....can I wear a lapel pin on a T-shirt? After Labor Day?)
Have you been anointed like me? Does your Senator call you by your first name? Are you on his Rolodex? Do you have a personal invitation to stop by and visit Sen. _____ anytime? I do, 'cause I'm special. (He said he would be in his car somewhere.)
S
