What qualifies to have an opinion?

Haha. Very true, and in some way very affirmative for some sort of democracy. Not ideally, but going back to the times of feudalism isnt to wish for. There's only one way, education and information.

Hmm. Could be interesting knowing what exactly makes 38% in the study/research being off-base and ill-informed that they actually hurt society by being voiced. 

Here's a hint:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reality-based_community

This is what they based it on in their study/research to determine if someone was entitled or not to have an opinion? Hmm.

@SH -- Your replies indicate you may not be aware The Onion is a joke newspaper. The stories on it are not (except in rare cases) real-world reporting.

Hence, the 38% figure is completley fictitious. As with all good humor, the article does have the kernel of truth that many people (including yours truly?...;-D...) are severely misinformed/underinformed and, hence, have opinions on matters that are useless (or worse).

You're right OldSchool. As a non-American it can be difficult to have an overview of them all. I am aware of several I previously have been introduced to. My fault was not spending some extra minute so to become aware of the sort of reference there was made use of. I should have known better as you usually would add some sort of satirical edge to a lot of your replies. My bad replying back to you when in lack of time. My bad, and thank you for taking you the time to enlighten me. :-)

Loved that article... I found the following statement very profound, "the opinions expressed were so off-base and ill-informed that they actually hurt society by being voiced."  I revise my opinion.. not everyone IS entitled to an opinion :P

Thank you OS.  I remember this and it produced a wry smile reading it again.  

Good one. :-)