Sadly, you are correct. Even those who are not fanatics find it difficult to discern fact and apply reason to most problems. It is the way the universe is.
"Even those who are not fanatics find it difficult to discern fact and apply reason to most problems." ~ marktwain
Here are two really good links regarding that subject:
Michael Crichton September 15, 2003:
"I have been asked to talk about what I consider the most important challenge facing mankind, and I have a fundamental answer. The greatest challenge facing mankind is the challenge of distinguishing reality from fantasy, truth from propaganda. Perceiving the truth has always been a challenge to mankind, but in the information age (or as I think of it, the disinformation age) it takes on a special urgency and importance. ..." [snip] Click link to continue: http://www.crichton-official.com/speeches/speeches_quote05.html
Why Politicized Science is Dangerous - Michael Crichton
(Excerpted from State of Fear)
http://crichton-official.com/fear/index.html