Well, in most cases. But I'm always struck by Jeroboam actions where he create two golden calves and told the people of Israel, "Hey, it's a long trip to Jerusalem. These golden calves really brought you up out of Egypt." and the people just said "Duh, if the king says it, then it sounds good to me."
Quite true (and unsettling, yes). On the other hand, Moses had no difficulty telling a Golden Calf from a Burning Bush. A Golden Calf is, by nature, a lot more flashy than a chopped-up Bible sporting an intact cover.