05 August 2008

Elitism is for losers

Lots of ink has been spilled lately around the idea that Barack Obama is elitist.
According to the online dictionary, elitism is:

1.practice of or belief in rule by an elite.
2.consciousness of or pride in belonging to a select or favored group.

I don't think either one of these applies to Obama. He got a law degree from Harvard and he's very smart, but that doesn't make you elitist. It means you're a high achiever. Two different things. Why are people threatened by this?

Being smarter and better-educated than most of America is a GOOD quality to have in a presidential candidate. It means you're higly qualified for the job. Obama tends to hang out with other smart, well educated people. That's not elitism. You tend to hang out with people that have the same backgrounds/interests as you. That doesn't in itself make you elitist or racist or whatever else.

As for being out of touch with the people, try this: If you think the current president cares what you (the common man) really think, then go try and talk to him some time. See how 'in touch' he is. Meet with him in person or get him on the phone, tell him how you feel. He's waiting to hear from you. I promise.

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