> I would no more urge everyone to learn programming than I would urge everyone to learn plumbing. That'd be ridiculous, right?

I would whole-heartedly disagree. I think that everybody should at be proficient in as many practical skills as possible - an in depth knowledge is not required, simply a level of competency and an understanding of good practices and standards.

This applies to coding, plumbing, cooking, construction/DIY, auto repair, soldering and practically any skill that may come in handy.