Whatever may be the distribution of uncertainty among economists, the public only gets to hear from those who have certain opinions.

For almost 50 years polls have shown that a large majority of the public believe that the budget should be balanced, and for all that time they have elected office seekers who would not balance it. The public cares about deficits, but doesn't care much.

If something is inevitable, it will happen

Whatever may be the distribution of uncertainty among economists, the public only gets to hear from those who have certain opinions.

If you asked a sample of Americans "What is the temperature of Mars?" about 8% would say they don't know.

If something cannot go on for ever, it will stop

Trends that can't continue, won't.