Editor, RE: “Researcher on the spot over fabricated statistics” (The New Times, October 12). Beware activists wielding statistics; many invariably package them selectively and beyond reality to say whatever point they want to make. The quote—attributed to Winston Churchill, most probably falsely—comes to mind whenever I am presented with statistics: Lies, lies and statistics! Mwene Kalinda **************** True, from 1940s researchers used statistics to show that cigarette smoking is healthy, wonderful and increases confidence. Today smoking is the main cause of cancer and kills more than five million people worldwide. Do not be fooled with variables and correlations. Butare
