But here we are, a country that once put a man on the moon and is now is halting scientific research.

Do not just label it embarrassing, it is dangerous.

When we celebrate ignorance, we invite decay.

When we elect leaders who boast about not reading books, we slide into mediocrity.

When school boards debate whether to teach history because it might make people uncomfortable, we’re not protecting kids. We are robbing them of the tools to think critically, challenge injustice and avoid repeating past mistakes.

America became great through bold ideas, innovation and the courage to question. It built roads, launched rockets, and yes, it even invented the internet. But now? Now we’ve got people convinced that a YouTube tutorial is the same as a PhD.

Let me be blunt. You cannot have a functioning democracy when half the country thinks facts are optional. You can’t compete globally when science is political. You certainly can’t rebuild a nation if your citizens can’t distinguish between a policy paper and a meme.

Patriotism isn’t just about waving flags. It is about investing in education, respecting expertise and elevating truth even when it’s uncomfortable.

A smart country doesn’t fear knowledge. It weaponizes it for good.

So if we truly want America to be great…not just a slogan, but a reality, we have to stop glorifying stupidity.

Greatness requires grit, grace and a hell of a lot more brainpower.

Let’s raise the bar because right now, the bar is so low we can barely get under it.