Almost all of these arguments can be applied to a large majority of our school curriculum. If you are arguing that people shouldn't learn to code for the sake of learning to code, you are correct. If, however, you don't actually think learning to code translates to solving problems, or has any real world benefit, you should also be insisting we remove all of Math from our school curriculum, because who uses anything beyond basic algebra? Hell, who uses anything beyond basic arithmetic now that we have calculators that can do algebra and calculus for us? Why teach kids anything?
I should also point out that, the more politicians know how to code, the less politicians treat computers as black boxes that "the nerds" need to perform magic with. It won't go away, certainly, but its a step in the right direction.
[...] you should also be insisting we remove all of Math from our school curriculum, because who uses anything beyond basic algebra? Hell, who uses anything beyond basic arithmetic now that we have calculators that can do algebra and calculus for us?
I think all of the jobs that you have listed involve using computers to automate, manage and solve problems.
Except rather than how we wield writing algebra or English pros, with advanced skill giving us the ability to express elaborate and abstract concepts, most people are computer illiterate.
Their use of the computer is analogous to knowing nothing about algebra or English, and choosing predetermined sentences to write pros, or choosing predetermined equations to do algebra. If what you want to express isn't supported, or what you have available isn't what you want, you're screwed.
People should be able to accomplish what they want with a powerful language. English and Maths are both powerful languages that are tools for modelling life and facts, coding models process and automation. It's not essential in the same way growing up in the Amazon rain forest where maths and arithmetic beyond "one, two and many" isn't essential. It's undoubtedly desirable and beneficial, however.
I should also point out that, the more politicians know how to code, the less politicians treat computers as black boxes that "the nerds" need to perform magic with. It won't go away, certainly, but its a step in the right direction.