"In America these days, we award everyone for merit, from the brilliant to the mediocre. Just as in Little League, everyone gets a trophy. It's the ultimate in populist democratization. Which is why McCain insists, despite all empirical evidence to the contrary, that Sarah Palin 'knows more about energy than probably anybody in the United States of America.' "

Life is moving further from the truth. The sensationalism, triple chocolate, every event is the best, or worst, ever.
For advertising companies, religion, governments, etc - the dumber we are, the easier we can be conned, saved, ruled. All you have to do is make the people feel important. So you give them warm fuzzies. (It is cheaper than a real education in which you learn to think and use your imagination and develop a sense of right and wrong)