> the lack of critical thinking taught in schools, the lack of engaged debate and encouraging people to think for themselves and gather their own information I

> the lack of critical thinking taught in schools, the lack of engaged debate and encouraging people to think for themselves and gather their own information I just said it was a symptom since the article was about libraries, not THE symptom or the only symptom :) Remember, this is a new problem. Growing up, I had channels 2, 4, 7, 50, and 62. If you didn't mind the static and repositioning the antenna, there were a few more channels :). National news was on for one hour a night, maybe more on Sundays and was presented by erudite news anchors in a time where good looks were not a factor in getting the job. If you wanted to comment on an issue, you had to write a letter by hand, giving you time to cool yourself down and not respond in a knee-jerk way. I somewhat agree, but information used to be curated by gatekeepers well versed in the subject matter, not released in a torrential digital firehose with little or no curation. Has the level of critical thinking really declined or was it always this way? People from my father's generation may have had less critical thinking skills as they were much more trusting of authority. Those educated under No Child Left Behind aren't really old enough to be in charge yet. Somewhat relevant story: I appreciated the education I received, but I remember when I questioned why fuck am I reciting the Pledge of Allegiance when the entirety of it is horseshit...especially the liberty and justice for all portion. So, instead of performing the pledge, I finished up some homework that was due in AP Calc. My math teacher was so incensed he threw me out of class and told me to report to the principal's office where I proceeded to say I didn't stand because I injured my foot so that I wasn't suspended.