the kids today aren't the sharpest tools in the shed
I wouldn't go quite that far, though I know what you just said... I had lots of youth in the Army Reserve that were there to help pay for school and such. They were way better than the guys I served with regular army... Very much more intelligent and sharp. I had all kinds, doctors, lawyers and Indian Chiefs...yes, even one of those... It was easy to find intelligence there and bright kids. All carrying a rifle and looking like a first class mudroller. But I've witnessed the same thing you speak of. It's ignorance of actual history, lack of caring to learn.