Most Americans don't know the difference between oil and gas. They don't know about the dangers of fossil fuels. Further, they have no clue how financial and commodities markets function.
Most Americans don't know very much about Science. Although the application of scientific discoveries permeate our lives, most Americans are clueless about how and why things work. For example, look at people's amazement that we experienced a solar eclipse! While it was fascinating and beautiful, it's really nothing more than a cosmic accident based on orbital mechanics.
An educated friend insisted to me that the reason that parkways are tree-lined is so the plants can convert the auto exhaust's carbon monoxide into oxygen! If that were the case, we wouldn't have global climate change.
Our country has far too many ignoramuses.Too many Americans are unaware of causes and effects. For proof, look how they vote.