It Came From Another Century

Something approaching a quarter of contemporary Americans actually represents the 19^th century. Soaked in strange superstitions, despising science and reason, they are flint-hearted enough to worship robber barons. They’d be comfortable with slavery, if it came to that. The 20^th century never really touched them, let alone the 21^st.

We’ve spent decades trying to ignore them, largely out of politeness because their beliefs, unworthy of debate, are embarrassing when found in adults. But they won’t leave us alone, and we’re going to have to put them in their place.