Or, start with the various leaders who discovered that anti-intellectualism is a great defense against criticism of bad ideas that they want to do anyway. This

Or, start with the various leaders who discovered that anti-intellectualism is a great defense against criticism of bad ideas that they want to do anyway. This tactic isn't new -- remember Adlai Stevenson? Notice that the issues where public and scientific opinion diverge the most are the most politicized ones? It doesn't just happen in America; this is the effect of politicians and religious leaders targeting mindshare while scientists simply can't make that the priority. We eggheads don't stand a chance unless our research lines up with someone else's goals.