Statistics chosen at random from the latest Harper’s Index, with corresponding mp3s.
Rank of “disappointed” among terms used by Americans in an October survey to describe their feelings about the government: 1 Soul Asylum – Misery
Percentage of Americans who say government programs don’t help their families: 54 Everything but the Girl – Wrong
Tons of marijuana the Mexican government burned in October following a major seizure: 148 Cheech & Chong – Let’s Make a Dope Deal
Percentage of developing nations whose economies have grown faster than the United States’ since 2001: 89 Billy Pilgrim – Uh-Oh
Average annual household income in Myanmar last year: $459 Meaghan Smith – Poor
Portion of Ukranian voters in an October survey who said they would be willing to sell their vote: 1/4 Billy Joel – Honesty
Percentage of bills proposed by the last Congress that became law: 3 Martin Sexton – Failure
Percentage of U.S. parents who rank bullying as their greatest fear for their children: 30 Indigo Girls – Kid Fears
Number of check-cashing shops currently operating in San Francisco: 141 The Call – Criminal
Number of countries with which the United States has a trade deficit: 77 Freeez – I.O.U. (12″ Mix)
Number of U.S. states that provide paid leave to parents: 2 Van Halen – Not Enough
Chance that an American teen suffers from a severe emotional or behavioral disorder: 1 in 5 Warren Zevon – Disorder in the House
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