Brain Usage for Dummies

A new book's just come out: IDIOT AMERICA : HOW STUPIDITY BECAME A VIRTUE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, by Charles P. Pierce. This theory may be the best explanation for today's constant foibles in the great U.S. of A. than any tome since "Dude, Where's my Country," that classic of the W. Bush years by one of my favorite compatriots, Michael Moore.

IDIOT AMERICA explores the trends of dumbing down--bottom-feeding information to the masses (who in turn bottom-feed on the propagated pablum) for generations, with early works such as TV situation comedy "Mr. Ed," the show with the talking horse. Ed spoke in a really goofy voice, not only to himself, but also with his owner, Wilbur. Ed only talked to Wilbur because "he's the only person worth talking to." This device provided the viewers with wild hilarity when Wilbur was caught by kooky neighbors as he conversed with this lowly beast in the stables. It was quite the funny show. And kids watched it faithfully each week, which made them better students.

The idea being, if kids observed Ed the horse talking to its owner, then when the children were asked questions in class, they would not feel so inferior when it came time to answer Teacher's dreaded questions. . . questions such as "Is a horse a mammal, a mineral, or a vegetable?" On subsequent pop quizzes, the kiddies only had to check multiple-choice A, B, or C--A being "mammal." The little ones could identify this word with talking, as their own first word was likely "Ma-ma." Mama--mammal--it's pretty close. TV added so much to the classroom. I just loved "Mr. Ed." He always chewed his hay while talking and some of it would spray around the stable. Cute as could be.

I highly recommend this book for all who grapple with why America has become the place for complete idiots who seem like normal people--but they're not. They drive these huge military vehicles, hang silk-floral wreaths on their ranch houses and vote Republican because it's the thing to do. IDIOT AMERICA has the answers to these and other perplexing questions: like why is Sarah Palin still on TV? Normally I would review IDIOT AMERICA in further detail, but I haven't read it. Lifetime's re-running some great episodes of "Desperate Housewives."