Not everyone needs to code competently. Just like not everyone needs to speak Spanish competently. (Or can learn other languages competently)
But... Learning a little Spanish can increase one's appreciation for Spanish culture. Even attempting to learn some programming can make one much more effective when they hire or direct a programmer, or engage in discussions about online privacy, or ask someone to help analyze a problem.
http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/2004/09/skill-disparities-i...