How he could see this connection as more than a coincidence I don't know.

I'd blame it on drugs, but to be fair (to drugs) it's probably just that he's crazy.

I do not think he's trying to be misleading though... he is convinced of his ideas, and I think in this case the avoidance is entirely subconscious. It's depressing to watch though. Anyone can fall victim to their own beliefs, especially as they get older, and as someone who highly values critical thinking, becoming like that is a nightmare.

Later.