Hate the BBC, love the viewers

Has anyone noticed how wildly different are the opinions of the BBC from its viewers
Four excerpts from the excellent Have Your Say site


i) Is Iran right to develop nuclear energy?
and the most popular answer
"Let's see...Leader of Iran is threatening daily to purport the destruction of another country, hates the west and all it stands for, is sitting on plenty of oil to heat the home and drive the cars, and we're all just supposed to take his word that he's just a slightly misunderstood, actually nice guy who will never, ever, ever use the technology for nuclear weapons. Sorry, but I'm not that gullible. But in order to appease, the world will probably elect him king of the UN."

ii) Can a culture of respect be introduced?
the most popular answer could have been written by Mary Whitehouse herself
"Those of us children of the 50's will remember the rules enforced in schools of that era. Teachers were addressed as Sir or Miss and various deterrents were used according to the misdemeanour. These included 'lines' and the ultimate deterrent - the cane. Up to six strokes would be administered depending on the misbehaviour. We never told out parents or it would result in another 'good-hiding'.Until discipline is restored in the schools nothing will change."

iii) Do you trust firms to tackle global warming?
the most popular answer would make all lovers of Adam Smith proud "If it is cheaper to pollute, then firms will do so. Until pollution becomes more expensive than the alternative, there is no incentive for firms to clean their act up and reduce their profits. Ultimately, profit is the reason firms exist and they will do nothing to damage their bottom line."

iv) What are your icons of Britain?
and the most popular answer came from Alf Garnett reincarnated as "Smurfette" from London
"How about the ASBO or foul mouthed drunken unemployable yobs in hoodies spitting and dropping litter in the street. The ultimate 'real' icon at the moment is 'the chav' - a real unifier - universally despised and feared by the decent, powerless and silent tax paying majority of all races and creeds. I pity any tourist visiting this country expecting polite reserved well spoken Britons who want to show their nation in the best possible light, cheerful Bobbies, clean safe streets, cream teas, a world class transport system, etc. Being rather ancient, I can remember when this was actually so. Come out of your bunker Tony and dance to the music you've written for the rest of us....."