Talking about science in the United States is a very strange affair.
This country has gathered the most top-notch geniuses of humanity, attracting the smartest talents from all over the world. For many years it has occupied the highest echelons of technology, leading the world's technological trends. Even now, as it begins to decline, it remains the most technologically advanced nation in the world.
However, elite education is the national policy of the United States, and the elite probably make up only one percent. Although it's good to have this one percent drive the country forward, for those beyond the elite, well, you can't say they are all stupid, but you can say many are truly ignorant.