100 MOST TRUSTED PEOPLE

Some things are a snapshot of reality. A poll that appears in this issue of Reader’s Digest is such a revelation of where our society is. The poll is whom people of America deem as the 100 Most Trusted People. Top of the list is an actor—Tom Hanks. Next, is an actor. And next. It isn’t until fifth place that there is someone not an actor, Maya Angelou, a professor, author, and poet. Further down the list one encounters directors, show hosts, a few doctor/hosts, a scientist or two, and, oh, yes, the rich—Bill and Melinda Gates. There is also an economist, our First Lady, and, at number 18 another host, Ellen DeGeneres. Later in the list are former and current government officials, and, of course, some sports stars. Our president came in at number 65. I do not denigrate any on the list. The list doesn't say as much about the people on it as it does about the people that put them there when polled. A quick observation is that those on the top of the list and a majority on the list are people who are on television or in movies. Though I did not do the math to get an exact percentage, I believe the next largest group were doctors and doctor/hosts. Those who tell us about our bodies. My third observation—unless I just missed one, I saw no religious figures, moralists, etc. O.K., let me just say it, No preacher. People who entertain, make money, and who know about the body are trusted. People who could have something to say about the human soul, the way to life, eternity, don’t make the list. I think the poll shows where the people of America are right now in heart and mind. They are into entertainment and their bodies. If these are those that people trust most, are they actually trusting an actor with their souls?