Even worse is the effect this sort of ignorance has on children. Today's kids are growing up in a world where ignorance is blissfully tolerated. When children embrace the idea that something is true if enough people believe it, the incentive to pursue critical thinking, education, and hard work begins to disappear. Even though the reasons for the 1999 celebrations were wrong, that's no excuse for missing a good time. Don't be afraid to explain the facts, especially to children.
Kids are often willing to accept ideas that adults refuse to think about.
Don't ever be embarrassed because you know how to count. Grab the banner below, and put it on your website. Link it to this page. If it helps even a few people think for themselves and learn something, it's worthwhile.