"OK, Gang: a survey: if idiotic, ignorant, or deluded are inappropriate-

What are appropriate descriptors/characterizations for those who maintain that the earth is only 6000 yeas old? Or for that matter, the earth is flat, that Newton's laws don't apply, etc.

As a corrollary, why should profound ignorance and idiocy be meekly tolerated, excused and applauded?"

No, Greg, 'idiotic, ignorant AND deluded' will do nicely and 'profound ignorance and idiocy should NEVER be meekly tolerated, excused and applauded'! Nevertheless, they should be perfectly free to wallow in their own ignorance - if that's what they want to do - but if they want to impose their stupid views on the rest of us, to gain political influence, indulge in terrorism or deny the human rights of women and children then they need to be resisted vigorously!