"Intellectual laziness has become the norm in our culture."
I see it differently. The bottom line is the same, but we differ on mechanics.
That is: Most middle class people are good at their job, and very busy at home, (kids, home repair, events, etc.). This leaves them to be dependent on the MSM, (evening news, newspapers, news magazines), for their information. If you rely on Katie, and Katie is ill informed or even purposely misleading, then many people are misinformed.
Economics is dry stuff. Not everyone cares to study it. Particularly the model for the oil market. I know they should, but there are lots of "shoulds", excersize, diet, read, save, charity, church, etc. We all fall down on one or more of these.
I blame the MSM for the talk in the diners. And for the MSM, ignorance is inexcusable.
You are absolutely correct in your assessment. That's why it should be mandatory that everyone with access to a computer be required to spend at least 30 minutes a day on Free Republic...