How the Professional Left's Blind Obama Hatred Got them Played by a Far-Right Nutjob

[iemitsu]

88. I share your concern about a "too-narrow focus" in the

education of Americans.
We foster an anti-intellectual attitude and price post-secondary education out of the range of most citizens, then insist that those, who are lucky enough to have access to higher education, specialize, in some narrow field, to justify their value in the market place.
It is too costly for students to take courses, not required for graduation, and in some states students are actually penalized (paying extra tuition) for taking space in a non-required course.
Thus we are specialized, compartmentalized, made to feel as if we cannot fathom the "big picture" on any issue, that we were not specifically trained to grapple with. We shrug our shoulders and leave it to the experts.
But, imo, there are really plenty of folk with critical thinking skills, many, perhaps most, without formal credentials to "verify" their skills. These people are interested in many things, are (usually) well-read, and are driven to figure things out and, regardless of their formal educational attainment, are largely self-taught individuals. They know a lot about a little and a little about a lot. They have common sense. There are examples of this sort of person on DU, many examples, but there are also those who exhibit a distinct lack of critical thinking skills, and those who use their skills maliciously.
The world is made of all sorts.
The best we can do is use our influence/voice to provide educational opportunities for those, who actively embrace the dynamic world in which they live.