The newspaper tells me that today marks the signing of a charter in 1787 that established the Federal government. The article also gave some harrowing statistics about Americans:
- 28 percent know more than one of the five fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment: the freedoms of religion and speech; of the press; to assemble peaceably; and to petition for redress of grievances.
- 1 in 1,000 can name all five.
- 20 percent think the First Amendment guarantees the right to own a pet.
- Yet 52 percent of Americans can name at least two main characters in “The Simpsons” television show, and 22 percent can name all five (Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie).
There’s a quiz you can take, too. I took it and, well, my next trip to the library should include some history to brush up on.
But at least I was never stupid enough to think Bush was doing a good job!
September 17, 2008 @ 2:15 pm
No no no…the point of being a smarty-pants is knowing useful, insightful, meaningful arcana.
September 17, 2008 @ 12:01 pm
I agree with Jason–isn’t the point of being a smarty-pants KNOWING non-essential, arcane things?
September 17, 2008 @ 11:59 am
Well, that quiz was depressing… apparently I’m not nearly as much of a smarty-pants as I thought.
Down with Bush!
September 17, 2008 @ 10:26 am
While I think that the stats you’ve presented are a bit troubling, I am not so bothered by that quiz and my admittedly poor performance.
That quiz is about one-half obscure facts that I do not consider essential, and one-half trick-questions.
But yes, Bush is evil. Burning be upon him. He shall have no seat on any planet.