Neal Boortz Asks Listeners to See How Gullible Americans Are

Every day, I listen to one of my favorite talk show hosts, Neal Boortz. Neal Boortz's professional background does not set him apart. He was a lawyer for over 20 years. Neal Boortz sets himself a part by being one of the few true Libertarian talk show hosts. These political beliefs lead Neal Boortz to believe in every person's freedom. This includes every person's freedom to do things that may not be very bright. Today, Neal Boortz issued a challenge to his listeners to test Americans gullibility.

Neal Boortz was speaking about reports that paper money is not very clean. Over the last several months, paper money's cleanliness (or lack thereof) has been widely reported. CNN.com reported that 90% of United States currency carries traces of cocaine. While speaking about this phenomenon, Neal Boortz mused about the possibility of United States paper money harboring microorganisms.

Neal Boortz made many very good points. Many Americans carry their paper currency in wallets or purses. Often, these items are carried near to a person's skin, especially for men. Wallets, purses, etc. can very easily attract precipitation. Precipitation can come from people's skin, sweat, or other items stored with them. Wallets, purses, etc. are also kept in climate controlled environments. Very rarely doe someone leave these items in their car. They are routinely stored in our homes or kept on our persons. These situations create an environment with precipitation that is warm. In other words, an environment that is perfect for the growth of bacteria.

This started Neal Boortz considering how many Americans react. He mused that you could get people to send you a large number of $1 bills, simply by using these health facts. Neal Boortz issued a challenge to all his users. He challenged someone to contact their local newspaper, take out an ad that contained a very simple message (i.e. "Send your $1 bills before it is too late."), and include an address to send $1 bills to.

Neal Boortz considered several potential outcomes. The newspaper of classified ad site might refuse to run the advertisement. This could be due to the very short, simple message. Brenda, Neal Boortz's call screener, stated that she thought this would actually be illegal. After all, you are not offering a service or providing a product. Neal Boortz, having been a lawyer, stated that the initial request for money was not being made through the postal service but through the classified advertisement. He stated that this would be no different than charities asking for money.

Neal Boortz's challenge brings up many interesting psychological questions. The current Pandemic situation has highlighted how fear affects Americans. If Americans fear something will happen to them, especially if it has to do with their health, then it becomes much easier to control them. Obviously, the short, simple classified ad would not produce fear. It would simple say "send in your $1 bills before it is too late." How many Americans' imaginations would take over and see a dire warning? I find it very interesting that a talk show host would make such a challenge. Should anyone take Neal Boortz up on the challenge, I will bring you their reported outcome.

References
Nealz News: Daily Program Notes. November 12, 2009. Boortz.com. Retrieved on November 12, 2009 from http://boortz.com/nealz_nuze/index.html