After 72 years of living as an American Army Brat, enlisted soldier, and educator I see us as provincial, living in bubbles. We're USA-centric and refuse to educate ourselves. Willful ignorance reigns supreme. We have achieved Idiocracy and we're damned proud of it! OP hit the nail on the head.

I'm not talking about stats or anecdotes. I simply mean the ability to carry on an intelligent, multifaceted conversation. One's education level should allow for adults to communicate without frustration.

Well, if you cherry-pick, we've got plenty of geniuses.

Have you conversed with any working class Americans lately?

Thanks for the confirmation. I'm 72 and have observed this in real time. I also worked in education for a little while. Scary indeed!

Have you met MAGA?

I find it cringeworthy! LOL I'm an American. We are woefully inadequate re education.

May you do exactly that!

Happy Birthday!