And, in America at least, children compete to see who can be the most ignorant, tear down anyone who doesn't conform, and proudly carry these habits to adulthood. Liberals say we should improve the public schools and make steps to bring about good learning environments at home (books etc.,), while conservatives whine about the expense and insist that everything be privatized. And I continue to liberally apply my head to a vertical surface.

Is that about how it is on your side of the pond?