I've always felt that one of our country's main problem is that we do not stress the importance of science and technology enough, especially in our schools. I feel we need to stress the importance of this far more in both our schools, and television specials. I think getting people more interested/fasinated in this topic would be very easy with some creativity.
That is where Ray Kurzweil comes in. One of the most brilliant inventors/futarists ever...the Michael Jordan of science and technology. Everyone should know who he is. Here are some links to his websites, his amazing appearance on the Glen Beck show on CNN (before he turned into a far right wackjob) and the University he helped start, called singularity university, which is a very prestigious non accredited university aiming to increase the rate of scientific and technological innovation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1o5yB2oLyo --his appearance on the Glen Beck show (CNN) a must watch
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_kurzweilhttp://www.kurzweilai.net/http://singularityu.org/http://www.kurzweiltech.com