Why We Should Learn the Language of Data
wired.com
wired.com
The inability or unwillingness to do statistics, especially on the part of the media, is indeed a problem. However, it doesn't require statistics to clear up the motivating example-- confusion between weather and climate.
Fifteen years ago, one could laugh or feel sorry for those who couldn't make this simple distinction. In 2010, it feels more like willful ignorance. In other words, Inhofe's family built an igloo as a political act, not as a result of statistical illiteracy.
It seems that willful ignorance is increasing. I would also posit that willful ignorance is often based on flat-out ignorance. Scientific fact won't change just because you are more fervent.