Check out alice.org. Teaching programming fundamentals isn't as hard as people are trying to make it.

And I disgaree with your contention that "teaching computer basics is only useful if you use that knowledge on a daily basis". That is like saying "teaching Spanish is only useful if you use that knowledge on a daily basis" or "teaching algebra is only useful if you use that knowledge on a daily basis" or "teaching geometry is only useful if you use that knowledge on a daily basis", and on and on ad nauseum.

I likely know more about mortgages, investing, and insurance than most people know about how computers work. People should know more about all those, or at least have the information presented to them at least at the high school level (i.e. mandatory education). If they chose to use that knowledge, well, that's their choice. The fact that people DON'T understand those basic things like how a mortgage works, the importance of investing, and what insurance coverages they need to protect their financial assets is a PROBLEM that needs to be fixed through education. And as computers and the internet become a more ubiquitous part of life, I will add that to my list of "things people should have a basic working knowledge of".

Anyway, what's your point? That we should accept the dumbed-down workld we live in as the standard to strive for? Well, OK, better for my kid, who I assure you, WILL be taught about mortgages, investing, insurance, and yes, the basics of computer science.