When did Americans become so dumb?

Perhaps I am overstating things, but it seems that Americans are becoming dumber by the year. We elected GW Bush President, we listen to Fox News and its merry parade of imbeciles (Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly, Glenn Beck), we fawn over monosyllabic ignoramuses like Sarah Palin and Paris Hilton, worship at the altar of evangelical nutjobs and doomsayers like Harold Camping and Pat Robertson, place millions of people behind bars for the most petty crimes, advocate war and guns while pretending to be "pro life," call for a reduction of the deficit but at the same time decline any major cuts or tax increases. What the hell is the matter with us? When did we become so stupid?