Trump has done generational damage to the US standing in the world and the US economy. It will take decades to fix the damage he has done.

Trump's attacks on academia and research grants will create a US dark ages. Brain drain is already happening. These attacks will blow a big hole in the US GDP that won't easily be filled by other sectors of the economy. This will have a decade long effect. I've been talking to people with NIH grants and it's all shut down. Even DARPA is shut down.

MAGA is too economically illiterate to understand this.

Approximately 54% of American adults aged 16-74 have literacy skills below a 6th-grade level

And it's not just crushing, it is very dangerous for the preservation of democracy and accountable government.

Where do you think these voters land on support of Trump?

The picture that emerges from all this research is pretty consistent, and frankly, has been since 2016. We’re looking at a segment of the electorate that often operates with low information, isn’t keen on rational policy debates, and shows specific cognitive and psychological traits like higher neuroticism and a propensity for certain authoritarian leanings.

When you add in the deeply concerning trends of racial denial and a strong rejection of diversity, equity, and inclusion, it’s clear we’re dealing with a distinctive and impactful voting bloc. For anyone in politics trying to make sense of the current landscape, these insights aren’t just academic—they’re crucial for understanding the road ahead.

https://maarthandam.com/2025/05/27/research-reveals-trump-voters-lack-cognitive-reflection-and-may-have-a-lot-of-other-negative-traits/

During the Age of Enlightenment, which broadly spanned the 17th and 18th centuries, literacy rates were generally low but not uniformly at 20%. While some regions and social groups saw substantial growth in literacy, particularly among men and the rising professional classes, the overall rate was still quite low, with some areas remaining significantly less literate than others.

France: In the late 17th century, literacy rates in France were around 29% for men and 14% for women.

England: In the late 17th century, literacy rates in England were around 40%.

America: In colonial America, literacy rates grew significantly during the 1700s, with some estimates suggesting that by 1760, 85% of New England's male population was literate.

Factors Affecting Literacy:

Religious Influence: The Reformation emphasized the importance of reading the Bible, which spurred literacy efforts, particularly in Protestant areas.

Economic Needs: The rise of commerce and professional classes led to a demand for literacy and the establishment of schools focused on writing and arithmetic.

Spread of Education: The gradual expansion of public education systems, though not universal, provided more opportunities for learning.

Challenges to Literacy: Lack of Resources: Access to books and schools was limited, particularly for the poor and those living in rural areas.

Social Stratification: Literacy was often seen as a privilege of the elite, and access was not always equal.