Your fears realized...

[callmeslick]

Back to the "educated folk -> abuse-resistant" assertion: slick, is there a population you would cite as an example for this? (I personally think education is a hugely important factor, but education != power.)

Good question, Foil. I wouldn't propose any as absolutely 'abuse-proof', but the American nation, with a very rich history of solid public education for over a century(I'm thinking 1870-1970) was pretty much resistant to over-the top BS. Still, it has to be coupled with a system of government that allows for resistance to oligarchy or dictatorship built into the structure, which the Founders generously provided us.
I am not suggesting(or surely didn't mean to) that education is the only pre-requisite, but it helps greatly.

[woodchip]

Ahhh...the infamous caveat.

caveat? No, just a straightforward definition. I don't define merely learning to read and write the language on a basic level to be the same as actual education, which provides both context and skills by which to continue learning throughout life.

While in essence you are correct, the ability of a population 15 and over that can read and write is the yard stick used.