I think that people in general need to have enough basic knowledge in science to get an idea of concepts like the shaky scientific basis for all the "global warming" nonsense; the relative risks involved in use of nuclear power vs. fossil fuels; the energy consequences of adding ethanol to gasoline; the environmental consequences of adding any oxygenated compounds to gasoline, for just a few.
Yes. Have you read "State of Fear?"
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061015733/sr=1-3/qid=1146657340/ref=pd_bbs_3/103-4119710-1017408?%5Fencoding=UTF8&s=books