The stats in this
NYT article nearly knocked me out of my chair:
While scientific literacy has doubled over the past two decades, only 20 to 25 percent of Americans are “scientifically savvy and alert,” [Dr. Jon D. Miller] said in an interview. Most of the rest “don't have a clue.”
[...]
American adults in general do not understand what molecules are (other than that they are really small). Fewer than a third can identify DNA as a key to heredity. Only about 10 percent know what radiation is. One adult American in five thinks the Sun revolves around the Earth, an idea science had abandoned by the 17th century.
So 75–80% of the country is scientifically illiterate, and a hardcore 20% (probably ultra-right-wingers mostly) is still living in the 17th century, believing in a geocentric solar system.
How are we ever going to have anything approaching a rational discussion of science and technology issues in this country? Can anything be done, or is the country doomed to slip back into the Dark Ages?