Charles Pierce sets out in pursuit of cranks and fools in Idiot America after establishing his three great premises:
1) Any theory is valid if it sells books, soaks up ratings or otherwise moves units.
(2) Any thing can be true if someone says it loudly enough.
(3) Fact is that which enough people believe. Truth is determined by how fervently they believe it.
I was sold in the bookstore when I read his description of the dinosaur with the saddle in the Creation Museum, but this is no light expose of conservative idiocy. This is a careful examination of a society that has lost the ability to rationally make decisions. From intelligent design lawsuits in school districts to corporate subversion of the global warming crisis, he explores these great premises and the courage it takes to hold firm to truth. The most gut wrenching chapter is his examination of the events surrounding the death of Terri Schiavo, with the imposition of bumper sticker theology on a personal tragedy, in part by our most powerful legislators.
The book started slowly for me with the history of crank Ignatius Donnelly, but Charles Pierce ties it all together well. I have a new appreciation for Madison and his foresight in the need to create an educated citizenry. One has to wonder if it is too late...