For some reason, I don't give two shits when someone says they have an economics degree.
Maybe it's because such degrees are frequently held by people like Ben Bernanke.
Gotta agree with you on this point.
Not singling out the OP as I'm sure there are some educated people out there that are very good at their profession, but generally I too have little faith in 'professional' opinions. It would be safe to say that most professionals only parrot what they have been taught by their relevant institution. Doesn't make it right, and Bernanke is a perfect example.
Why do you think its safe to say that most professionals only parrot what they have been taught? That's very broad. I mean it includes all disciplines and people graduating from them - how does the world manage to maintain doctors, engineers and historians? Where is the true store of knowledge - TV and Wiki?