My sense is these statistics are roughly correct. They also bolster the Buddhist ethical position that compassion must be based on wisdom. Indeed, the greatest virtue in Buddhism is wisdom, not compassion. Buddhism counsels dispassion and calm reflection on all speech and behavior; I would add perception as well. An argument that appeals to emotion is not necessarily all bad. But one that uses emotion as mind-control is all bad. The wise often lose political debates because their positions are more complex, based on dispassionate analysis rather than single-minded emotion. Women have had many years in power now and the results are not good. This is probably due to greater emotionality among our dearly loved fair sex. Not sure where this will lead but it is always best to place your bets on reason and sound ethics above all else. Of course, emotion and compassion can and should be factors in any complex position, just not the preeminent, leading factors. ABN
American Buddhist Net 