A Question to Myself…
Today, while driving, a “random” question popped into my mind, “Is there a relationship between the “dumbing down” of Americans with regard to critical thinking, determination of causality (vs. correlation), and the understanding of how things work (including the natural world), and the fact that young Americans cannot get “old-time” chemistry sets or exposure to similar hands-on “how-to” tools as the result of “safety” concerns?” (Duh, the world is not a safe place, people. Grow up. Also, *IF* [a BIG “if”] you travel into California’s [or Oregon’s] mountains in the wintertime, be aware of the risks, keep people informed, pack proper gear, and recognize hypothermia for the killer that it is.)
I do not have an answer to my question, but I see the use of “safety” and “convenience” arguments as the two most prevalent mechanisms for eroding our rights in this country (certainly in California, by the Assembly). Also, “dumbed down” consumers are easier to convince…. 
-Bill at Cheshire Cat Photo
