The Professional Class
By Anna Shane on May 15, 2008 at 4:09 PM in Barack Obama, Education, Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, Women and Children, Workers
As a degree carrying member of the professional class, I’ve had an easy life. But I’m the first and only one in my family so far to earn a doctorate. One grandfather was a bus driver and the other went into real estate. My dad had a college degree, but my mom didn’t. I grew up in a middle class family that profited from the post-war boom. My parents bought their first house when I was a baby, and they stayed home owners, and had one to leave to me at their deaths. My uncle, who was a fireman, owned his own home and through appreciation he died better off than my dad, who was an engineer.
I find that conflating class with income is a strange concept. Although I’m in the educated and often more affluent professional class, I identify with my extended family and friends, most of whom struggle to pay monthly bills and have few dreams of retirement at all, much less the retirement my parents and my fireman uncle enjoyed.
But if it’s not income, what makes a someone an ‘elite?’ How is it that Hillary, my first choice for president, relates to working people better than her opponent, who’s wife grew up in a struggling family?
The answer is only partly education. In this country we don’t have a static class system, it’s possible to change so-called class, as Barack did, through education. He went to Harvard and was on the law review. He married a fellow professional who’d faced greater odds than he had, but so did Hillary, she also married a someone from an arguably even more struggling family than Michele’s family. So this can’t fully answer how Barack is seen as the elitist, because Hillary isn’t, she’s seen as a woman of the people.
The answer that seems to work is the one of identification, the ‘class’ with which one identifies. Which group you like to spend time with, which group you like the best, in other words which group calls for your empathy. Of course even people born rich have the capacity to identify with struggling people, just as some struggling people have the capacity to view themselves as elite. It’s a choice, in as much as everyone is free to ‘be’ part of the ‘class’ they feel most ‘at home’ with.
The professional class is often seen as ‘the know-it-all’s,’ the ‘we’ll tell you what’s best for you,’ class. It includes physicians and lawyers and school teachers, and professors, but not small business owners, who are in the merchant class. Even though far from all professionals are rich, we get the same perks as the rich, we get invited to the right parties, we’re welcomed into the so-called ‘higher echelons’ of social life.
Hillary is a down-to-earth person. She’s as comfortable chatting with housewives as with world leaders. She can drink a beer at a bar and shoot pool, and she can host a dinner for the most powerful men and women in the world. Like me she came from a working class family, and had the benefit of a better educated parent and parents who valued a college education. She was smart enough to get into the best schools, and she was the top in her classes. She ‘ worked her way up’ but she married a fellow from a poor, single parent family who had nothing to offer to her but his dreams.
Still, I don’t think this entirely accounts for her ability to connect with most of us, that is most of us who get to ‘meet’ her and don’t have to rely on ‘reports,’ it just shows she had early practice. What made the difference is that Hillary never forgot about regular powerless people, and what makes her special is that she’s always been most interested in the voiceless, those of us whom politicians overlook (those who can’t always vote), children who need safe and good schools, adequate nutrition, health care; mothers who are rearing our next generation, wounded veterans; women around the world who suffer real consequences for their sex.
Elite is a choice, you can think that your education and experience makes you a better human being than the next guy, or you can see that we’re all in the same boat, and we sink or swim together.
That’s a nice summation that seems pretty accurate.
To me the smartest people in the entire nation are in West Virginia. They don’t need Chris Matthews and Keith Obermann to tell them how they feel. God bless the people of West Virginia. And God Damn the people who have tried to sell this fraud Obama — I will vote for someone who loves this country like I do.
What’s interesting to me is that the candidate who purports to be about unity is actually the one who clearly slices and dices people into categories and labels them according to stereotpyes.
I think Hillary doesn’t stereotype people. In Arkansas, the smartest guy in town may well wear overalls and drive a beat up truck. He may also be the wealthiest guy around, too, and the one you have to know if you’re going to get a vote.
I also think that Hillary is a true activist. She didn’t just sit around in committee meetings talking about projects. She actually implemented projects. Implementation teaches one a great deal about how to really work with others. Planning to implement does not.
Finally, Hillary’s vision is that of rebuilding the middle class, and it’s one I share. We cannot stand by and watch the middle class be destroyed. We ARE the middle-class, and anyone who believes this nonsense that a college degree means that one is apart from that has simply no idea of what’s in store.
You’re right. It’s not about money. It’s not about job title. It IS about vision.
What’s Obama’s vision? After a full year, I still can’t tell you.
He has yet to make his vision clear.
Barack Obama doesn’t want anyone who doesn’t love him. So Seniors, Hispanics, White Workers are left out in the cold. Instead of working to bring them into the Big Tent Democratic Party he cuts us dead. Ok BO — try to win without us.
You just described Sam Walton. Sometimes I wonder if he’s rolling over in his grave.
That is so true about Arkansas. I can’t tell you how many degreed people I have known that drive beat up old cars/trucks, dress like farmers or worse, and are major liberals that have a core of practicality based on the common good. They were the first to protest the war, the first to work toward alternative energy generation, and work for all those other good liberal ideas. They have been doing it for decades now.
To look at them, you would think they were none of those things. And most of them don’t buy the Obama line. They want practical solutions, in detail, because they have seen all kinds of flowery petals thrown around for years passing as policy that doesn’t go anywhere.
Clinton has come in contact with people like that many times, knows the hills are full of them, and knows how to communicate with them. Obama, not so much.
Argued with an Obot last night over his inexperience, and every defence was well Obama went to this school or worked at this prestigious firm. All of Obama’s resume bullet points just point to prestige. I want to see what he accomplished, who’s back he had.
Obama and Edwards both started running for president before their first Senate term was up.
5/15/2008
Senator Clinton Statement on Senator McCain’s Speech Today
“This morning, John McCain said that four more years of the same strategy will produce victory in Iraq, though he provided no new approach or new proposals. This is not the first time Senator McCain has predicted victory in Iraq. He promises more of the same Bush policies that have weakened our military, our national security, and our standing in the world. Our country cannot afford more empty promises on Iraq. When I am President, the United States will no longer give Iraq a blank check. I will bring this war to a swift and honorable conclusion, and bring our troops home, beginning within 60 days of taking office.”
oh, I wish she were our nom already. She’s so on top of things, so correct in her world view.
anna — from your mouth to God’s ears.
Did she say anything different than BO? Seems they both say the same thing about getting out of Iraq.
ELITE IS TELLING THE ISRAELI’S HOW THEY ‘SHOULD’ FEEL TODAY….
John Kerry was turning blue in the face with anger….Pilosi condemned…….Joe Biden shouted bullshit…….Obama said this was a “sad” thing to do to Israel on their birthday…..
Interesting, so now Obama’s speaking for Israel?…..
Why doesn’t Obama ask Israel how they feel about Bush’s statement?……..
Why doesn’t Chris Matthews try and get the Israeli perspective……..why……why…….
BECAUSE THE MAJORITY OF ISRAELI’S AGREE WITH GEORGE BUSH…….I CAN GUARANTEE YOU THE FLOOR OF THE KNESSET WAS NOT “SAD”
THIS IS ABOUT THE ISRAELIS…..MAYBE WE SHOULD LISTEN TO THEIR THOUGHTS ON THE ISSUE.
at least he didn’t call them sweetie?
Ah, yes, the most honorable John Kerry, and Howard Dean, assuming the white senators and wannabe’s burden in Africa, so nobly assuring the white nights of big oil united states patronage, and protection, deftly turning the other way as they see the horrific AFRICAN genocide aided and abetted by their chosen candidates financial contributors, democratic senators complicit in their votes, and their silence, African dictatorial ill will toward their countrymen and women displayed through massive slaughter, rape and torture, Obama’s oil men supplying guns and ammo and militias to help prop genocide throughout Africa, Obama’s cousin practicing genocide as he’s culturally superior, all in pursuit of the black gold, mineral rights “global marketplace competition,” and Jews.
And if it manifests toward the greater Israeli people, everntually, or deliberately, well, fuck them, too, what does oil say?
Who are the real racists here, you POS democrats?
This is genocide you are aiding and abetting Mr Kerry, and your candidate is the key to continuing it, for many, from Farrakhan, to Ondinga to Chevron.
yes, the kipling democrat, he is a well respected man about town, doing the best things most assuredly.
Does it matter what Israel is feeling about the Bush Statement? The real issue is breaking with policy that says you don’t attack a candidate or sitting president’s policy on foreign soil. You can’t really be siding with Bush on this can you. Meanwhile he’s negotiating with Libya, North Korea and everywhere else
What a refreshing topic! Thank you for this blog. I now claim to be an ex-elitist (having had all the pre-requisites, advanced education, snobbery, non-conformist ideas and opinions — and I agree with you, money/affluence is not generally required, it is all about attitude) and can understand that even better having grown up with a Physicist brother who thought the world of himself. His engineer wife came along and at one point treated me like I did not belong with them and their clique which was a rude awakening. So from my own personal life experience, I think it is all about what you say and how you treat others, exclusive or inclusive. Hillary with her explicit policy priorities has convinced many that she is inclusive, that she values human dignity. Most importantly on a personal level, she takes pride in her upbringing which was far from high-brow — she does not run away from her past (what she did in OH and more so in PA was sincere, not to mention being politically savvy). It is about your expression of respect, dignity, and humanity for others and I think it shows readily when she interacts with others (from what I have seen in her interviews, speeches,and so on.)
IMO as a blue collar working stiff, Hillary is the least objectionable of the 3 choices we have in front of us.
Especially for working class whites who are scared and/or pissed by Barky and don’t give a rats ass about McSame who is plain ass lethal to working class Americans.
But make no mistake she’s no FDR or economic populist of any kind.
She didn’t appeal to working class whites until Obama stole her AA and liberal base from her and she had re-connect with a demographic that has been told to fuck off and die by the Democratic party for the last 8 or so years.
Personally I don’t really care if she can drink a beer or shot pool, its irrelevant and nothing but shallow pandering and distractions from serious issues.
What I do care about and so do a lot of other Americans is what are her policies in regards to trade, health care, off-shoring, H1-B & L-1 guest visa workers, illegal immigration, - stuff that impacts working class people.
Of the 3 she’s about the only that has anything that approaches working class friendly.
I like Barky and McSame, very clever. Yes, the party hasn’t always lived up to its promise and if there weren’t workers no one could buy their imported crap. once she wins it (hope hope) we’ll need to stay in touch with her, she says to hold her accountable. I wasn’t glad that Edwards came out for Barky, but he did push her, although I do think that’s the direction she prefers.
ELITIST IS TELLING THE ISRAELI’S HOW THEY ‘SHOULD’ FEEL TODAY….
John Kerry was turning blue in the face with anger….Pilosi condemned…….Joe Biden shouted bullshit…….Obama said this was a “sad” thing to do to Israel on their birthday…..
Interesting, so now Obama’s speaking for Israel?…..
Why doesn’t Obama ask Israel how they feel about Bush’s statement?……..
Why doesn’t Chris Matthews try and get the Israeli perspective……..why……why…….
BECAUSE THE MAJORITY OF ISRAELI’S AGREE WITH GEORGE BUSH…….I CAN GUARANTEE YOU THE FLOOR OF THE KNESSET WAS NOT “SAD”
THIS IS ABOUT THE ISRAELIS…..MAYBE WE SHOULD LISTEN TO THEIR THOUGHTS ON THE ISSUE.
This story is absolutely hilarious. You could be an elitist if you think it’s always all about you? LOL*
What a hoot.
I was in Omaha visiting my cousin a number of years ago and we took her grandkids to the Dairy Queen. There was a guy there in khaki pants and a plaid shirt eating an ice cream cone. He was chatting with two women and their kids. He looked kind of familiar. When we left, my cousin asked me if I knew who that man was and she told me is was Warren Buffet. It was shortly before he bought Dairy Queen. He looked and acted like just an average guy. No fancy cars in the parking lot, no limo or driver waiting. One of the richest guys in America who seemed pretty down to earth talking to people in the Dairy Queen. Maybe it is just those the good Midwestern values.
You should watch his interviews on CNBC. He is really very down to earth and his children are that way too.
This was a reply to
Comment by Karen | 2008-05-15 16:50:10 about Buffett
(don’t know what happened there)
i went to college in Wisconsin, and I do miss those values. Hillary shows those values.
Please pass this on folks….our future depends on it. I can’t bear the thought of Obama.
This was sent to Riverdaughter…..keep it going…..
“This little ditty was sent in by commenter Nana. It looks like the Obamaphiles have pushed the envelope:
WooHoo……………….Wilk talk radio here in Scranton, PA is going wild this afternoon. Host Steve Corbett has had it with being called a racist for supporting Hillary Clinton and has stated he will not vote for Obama. The lines are going crazy with calls from people in NE PA who feel the same way. They will not vote for Obama and will vote for McCain if they have to to stop him. The mementum is starting against the Democratic Party. Keep it going all over the USA”
Excellent sas !! I am listening to him on the Internet and have emailed him.
I am all for his movement “Operation Turn Down”
and it seems he’s receiving a lot of support from women all over the country.
Also: I heard in his program that tonight in O”Reilly there will a group of women from Ohio that are starting a similar movement.
If someone has cable maybe can report on the program?
This was sent to Riverdaughter….let’s get this movement started….I’m a Democrat who feels Obama must be stopped…..
Please pass this on folks….our future depends on it. I can’t bear the thought of Obama.
This was sent to Riverdaughter…..keep it going…..
“This little ditty was sent in by commenter Nana. It looks like the Obamaphiles have pushed the envelope:
WooHoo……………….Wilk talk radio here in Scranton, PA is going wild this afternoon. Host Steve Corbett has had it with being called a racist for supporting Hillary Clinton and has stated he will not vote for Obama. The lines are going crazy with calls from people in NE PA who feel the same way. They will not vote for Obama and will vote for McCain if they have to to stop him. The mementum is starting against the Democratic Party. Keep it going all over the USA”
sas — I am leaving the Democratic Party too. I cannot stomach a party who would nominate this fraud.
Oddly this morning I woke up with a sense of certainty - I had lost my last two months of wondering what the hell is going on.
I felt a certain sense of clarity in the realization that we don’t have a real Democratic nominating process right now. Obama has been so insanely and irrationally backed by the media and various groups that we were certain could see through him or would notice the empty suit that it suddenly hit me with real clarity:
Obama is at least a Republican in the midst of all of this. At least a Republican - probably something much worse in many ways - but at least a Republican.
Karl Rove did not stop being intelligent a year ago- he just realized that he had to fight a different kind of battle and that if the Republicans could get Obama nominated as a Democrat then we would have a wonderful state of affairs in which he - Karl Rove et al - could not lose. He would have two Republicans running against each other and large numbers of the voters in this country would NOT understand that there was NO Democratic nominee at all in 2008. Words are not reality, folks. We have to use them to communicate but we have to be very careful with them.
If we do not have Hillary as the Democratic nominee, there will be no choice there except between two fronts of the same power structure. We aren’t talking politics here folks, we are talking money. If you peel away enough layers, you find that the same monied interest in this country (and outside of it) are running both John McCain and Barack Obama. WE ARE LOOKING AT NO CHOICE AT ALL in the end.
And now, I believe that all of the sense of rushing the nomination - of trying to push Hillary out - of vast amounts of dirty politics from the Obama camp is really a confusion over NOT JUST what small tidbit about Obama gets out (like maybe he is bisexual) but it is a rush to make sure that old Obama himself not slip up and let everyone know who’s holding the puppet strings.
While I’m not sure Obama actually knows whose holding his puppet strings, he does know that he isn’t the real thing - he does know he’s a fraud and that the light could accidently shine the wrong way on him.
It seemed very clear to me this morning. And the koolaide folks probably won’t notice it but with no Hillary, it is only the Republicans against the Repulicans. At some level, Obama has learned to talk like a Democrat but the cracks are beginning to really show up in the armor.
There is no Democratic nomination race: there is only the hope of Hillary as our only choice (and one that I firmly and enthusiastically support - a surpport that she won from me herself) and two Republicans: Barack Obama and John McCain.
This is scary stuff but it works for General Electric and everything that this one company stands for in the civilized world.
Not sure we can leave any affiliation with the DNC because not sure they exist at all any more.
So because it looks like she may not be the nominee, its “pack up the marbles and lets not play” time? How do you justify when there’s a set of rules and one person looks like they’re gonna win under those rules, saying I’m not playing anymore. As much as you want to point out obama’s warts, don’t think that Hillary has none. You can’t really have forgotten all of the Clinton baggage can you? That doesn’t mean she can’t be a good president, but I am baffled by this intense hatred of Obama, seemingly just because he’s out in front and is likely to win.
And now, people are actually saying vote McCain??
How did Hillary get to be the last hope? Obama didn’t deserve to be ahead? Why not? People voted what they felt and at least early on they didn’t feel she was the one. Why is this concept so troubling to everyone here?
elitism is a state of mind.
it doesn’t matter what your social economic background is. although people with a good family background tend to share elitist views because they often live better than average.
elitism is not wanting to associate with people ‘beneath’ you. its judging people based on superficial qualities and patronizing others who are less endowed & qualified.
it is about not seeing people as people. it is about treating disadvantaged people less than human, or not treating them as equal human beings.
there’s economic, intellectual and cultural elitism. it is one of the main causes for inequality in this world.
I agree. It is who you would want to spend time with. Maybe not wanting to spend time with Obama & wife makes me an elitist. Or is it racist now?
maybe you sense they don’t want to spend time with you? Hillary looks to the least among us, in another life she might have been a social worker, but she’d have been the hardest working and most effective one, although there are lots like that in social work, she’d have some real peers, unlike Washington DC, where she’s clearly different.
Someone who wants to be PRESIDENT of all of the people can ill afford even the appearnce of ELITISM. His comments in San Francisco reflected his real opinion of people who have not had the same advantages in life that he and his bitter nasty wife have. Rather than realize how fortunate they are and have a modicum of gratitude, they instead cling to an entitlement and look down their considerable noses at others less fortunate. I can’t think of anyone less worthy to lead this nation.
what’s funny, sort of, is that he once gave a terrific speech on the empathy deficit. I guess he didn’t read it. I wish irony would hurry up and die.
beebop — the comments Obama made in San Francisco reflect the comments he made in his books. You don’t hang around with people who hate white people unless you hate white people too.
I agree with you….You can have a po cracker ( baptist ) who can claim to be a moral elitist….chuckle…..
elite. n. 1. the choice, best, or most powerful members of a group or class.
elitism. n. practice of or belief in rule by an elite…Random House Dictionary
** Nothin against Baptists….I just happen to live in the Buckle of the Bible Belt…..So they are numerous….Yikes !….I’m outnumbered….chuckle…**
I wrote something about being an elitist in my new post. (I created a new blog for my political posts.) I also put up new maps and where Obama is trending towards November.
http://tinyurl.com/6d7tls
Great job there! The maps really make it clear.
Great post. “Elite is a choice,” is so true. Although most of us here–I’m guessing–would be lumped into the “creative class,” it’s our belief in blue-collar values which attracts us to Hillary. Obama supporters are no more educated than we are (and certainly not smarter), but it’s our belief that government has a role in solving people’s problems which unites us. Kos calls himself an libertarian Democrat precisely because he has little use for government and instead see politics as a “values” contest over who is racist and who is not, an identity-focused game where electing a president is about “sending a signal,” not changing working people’s lives. Electing a woman or a black man is great, but we prefer first that a candidate offers proposals which help all people. Obama’s surrogates have suggested riots by African Americans if Obama is not the nominee, as if the symbolism of Obama’s skin color is more important to black people than helping them in their daily lives with real policy. But bringing presidential politics down to this level, as Obama has done, reminds me of the riots after the Rodney King verdict. Poor areas of black LA burned over the symbolism of white police officers being found not guilty. The riots were excused as pent up rage, but really they were self-destructive and murderous. Banking on the emotional satisfaction of symbols is an empty way to heal very real divides. Obama’s supporters in the media suggest West Virginians are racist, but in truth they would vote for a black man who offered them proposals like Hillary and who respected their culture, instead of belittling them to billionaires in San Francisco. Being concerned about illegal immigration doesn’t make one a racist, but it almost certainly means that one is concerned about a diluted work-force and falling wages. Failing to grasp that distinction is Obama’s biggest weakness with lunch bucket Dems.
when Hillary admitted that undocumented workers do drive down wages, and particularly for working class black Americans, Obama said she was trying to divide the two groups. How would that have helped her, he already had the African American vote locked up? but he used it to smear her, and that’s what he’s been doing, running against her more than for himself. And what will he do against McCain, who wasn’t married to Bill, and isn’t a girl? Call him an old creepy has-been cancer surviver and piss off the over 55 set too? I don’t get his reasoning, I think he’d have done just as well or better if he hadn’t been running an essentially negative campaign. the media would have been negative anyway, he could have defended her and he wouldn’t be in this silly place now, losing momentum, lost the popular vote, and claiming he’s the candidate by way of delegates. he must feel like a jerk, go stoop low for no reason. Oh, well, he’ll probably blame it on his staff. They fill out his forms for him, don’t want to bother him, probably. I hear he has quite the temper.
Those who have to thumb their nose at others are just elitist pretenders. Those who really have the big bucks don’t need to be elitist. They know who they are.
Working Class Values are ingrained in the sensibility often throughout generations….Whether these come from the Farm…The Factory….or the Merchantile Class….
The overiding Working Class value that was ingrained in me is the idea of
THE FAIR SHAKE….THAT EVERYONE WHO IS WILLING TO WORK HARD AND PLAY FAIR SHOULD GET THE FAIR SHAKE…
This is why as a student ( scholarship ) I could pay to be a card carrying member of the ACLU and Amnesty Intl’ and NOW….
THIS IS WHY I DESPISE THE TACTICS USED BE OBAMA AND HIS SUPPORTERS.
The Working Class built and maintained this country….We are the Natural Check and Balance in the Class Struggle between the Ultra Rich and The Ultra Poor…
I have rarely heard The Working Class demand more than the Fair Shake….
That is the difference that the Elite and those that demand Entitlements don’t get….
THIS VALUE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH INCOME….ALTHOUGH WEALTH AND STATUS CAN CORRUPT IT…..
The Working Class Common Sense springs forth from this principle….
IMHO….This is our greatest AMERICAN VIRTUE….
Anna:
This is a beautifully written, thoughtful post. Your point about who do you empathize with is just so right!
My only comment to make is that there is a difference between “elite” and “elitism.” I think its possible, as your own story illuminates, to become “elite” by virtue of education and income, etc. even if you come from more “humble” (I hate that word) family background, but still maintain connections to your family, your past, or to extrapolate to empathy for others in their situations. “Elitism” on the other hand does not empathize with those less fortunate but instead disdains them, ridicules them, and “knows better” than thou. Not sure if that is clear.
Thanks for your thoughts.
thank you, good point.
“Oh to be an Untouchable” said the Brahmin.
By living in Arkansas for 20 years. The people weren’t dry stats off of Teddy’s Irish whiskey bottle ridden desk. She saw real poverty up close and personal, just by driving to the store to pick up groceries (can’t even miss it in the South even in the capital).
Because she lived in the South, Southerners understand she has a shared experience; and understands the down home politicking and our values. It also helps she’s a member of a “normal” church, where she also knows about faith (which if you’ve been in the 1001 natural disasters that can hit the area, you’ll have to rely on it heavily).
If she can relate to Southerners, she can relate to Midwesterners, and any more rural locale.
Education isn’t the issue, a lot of Southern politicians have very good degrees, from Duke (the Southern Harvard) even. It’s stems mostly around values — do you believe in God (and it doesn’t mean only a Christian God, but believe in a Creator)? Do you believe in the 2nd Amendment and will protect it? Do you believe in States rights (where local control of government is paramount)? Do you believe in the death penalty and law and order?
The latter comes in mind when I walked into a local Waffle House. Above the grill they have three framed signs about the “rules”, right down to what you can wear to be served. That would be considered “unconstitutional” in San Francisco, but even our public schools require uniforms upto high school.
If a candidate is against such things or thinks it’s foreign and unjust, they just don’t get the vote and distrusted, as s/he doesn’t reflect the values.
you like James Carville too? That’s a great explanation, I’ve always wondered why Southerners seem to understand things that took me a long time to figure out, like simple kindness, like manners, like warmth.
Carville is a little different (Cajun culture isn’t the norm, being of a French/Catholic/Protestant mix), but he’s from the South and knows Bubba’s way of life. To tell the truth, I didn’t even discover Tabasco sauce until the 80s — it’s just not the spice used in cooking in middle Georgia. Heck, even tried to get sage sausage from the butcher, as he rarely makes it since the prefered sausage is the GA country blend (something like Jimmy Dean sausage with a little more pepper). :/
It’s an old world, each state a little country in itself, right down to what we eat (never mention BBQ, unless you’re willing to defend your locale’s version of it! I’m a heathen and prefer beef to pork, but it must have my locale’s tomato based sauce, otherwise it’s just not BBQ…eat that SC…Vinegar slop sucks!!).
Wouldn’t trade this part of the world for nothing.
I agree…There is a world of difference between the North and the South…still…I am a cracker from the South ( Texas is kinda a strange part of the South…well it’s kinda a strange land unto itself…chuckle )
Now we have our problems but like mucH of the South have been working steadily to improve…But I can tell you from my own experience that if I moved to the North I would be in for endless lectures about my ignorant racist cracker crimes of the past by AA’s who have often been no closer to the South than driving on a highway….A Carpetbagger mentality is not based on skin color..
I lived in Philadelphia…and love the North…I’ve lived in the Mid-West.
But many AA’s that I have known from the north especially from the colleges in the North keep lookin at me like I have a closet full of hoods and ready stash of crosses to burn….I have gotten this from elitish Jews as well….WASPS just assume I’m retarded….Once Italians and Irish know I’m Catholic generally we are one big family…
Never had a problem with Hispanics as they are culturally intergrated like much of the southwest, california and florida…We blend….
THIS IS WHY OBAMA AND HIS CAMPAIGN MAKE ME SO ANGRY….
THE MAJORITY OF ELECTIVE OFFICE IN MY TOWN ARE HELD BY AA’S OR HISPANICS….THE DA IS AA AND IS OVERTURNING WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS….THE SHERIFF IS A LATINA WOMAN
THERE IS PROGRESS AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE…..OBAMA IS AN INSULT TO THIS PROGRESS…..HE ACTS AS IF WE LIVE IN 1965
I’m just sayn’…..OBAMAS WAY AINT’ THE WAY TO PROGRESS….
AND THERE ARE PLENTY OF BETTER AA’S I’D GLADLY ELECT TO POTUS.
Why would Obamas campaign make you angry on that basis? Because there is a non-functioning Black mayor, Obama is responsible. Does Bush bear the burden of the countless number of corruprt and inept white politicians? Think about it.
Brilliant piece. Well done.
Exactly. My sister and I are the first in our family and generation to go to college and we both hold advanced degrees. But we remember our roots. I grew up, on my mother’s side, in a family of women who lived and struggled in Hell’s Kitchen for four generations. That hard life that my family had has left a permanent imprint that I cannot deny.
My husband and I bought a house that we like - we didn’t pay attention to the town it was in. A friend of mine - an old martini swigging dame who grew up in Hell’s Kitchen like my mother - said, “Whad’ya doin’? ____ is a Republican town!” I responded: “Whoops, there goes the neighborhood.”
The town, indeed, has a gated community mentality, even though it’s not gated. But if I walk my dog down a street not my own and a resident is outside, I get a look from them that reads: Why are you walking your dog on my street?
It’s a good thing I don’t rely on this town for my friends and social life.
how horrible. I like my professional friends a lot too, and none of them would use their so-called advantages to make anyone feel small or unwelcome.
To me, elitism is when success goes to your head and you forget who you are–and decide that you no longer relate to anybody except other successful people.
Ironically some of the wealthiest people I know seem to not flaunt it. Pretenders often flaunt it though.
Very true —
Generally the people who act rich — aren’t.
Click the link to learn more. Facts are our best friend.
Five Facts about Democratic Delegates
FACT: Pledged delegates and automatic delegates are the same - they each count for ONE vote.
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The Democratic Party chooses its delegates in three ways: 1) through primaries where millions vote; 2) through caucuses where thousands vote; and 3) it gives a role to elected leaders and other party activists in the process. >Automatic delegates (commonly referred to as “super delegates”) comprise the third category. Automatic delegates come from all 56 states and territories and consist of Democratic members of Congress, Democratic governors, distinguished party leaders (including former Democratic presidents, vice presidents, former House and Senate Democratic leaders and former DNC Chairs) and members of the Democratic National Committee. These DNC members are activists and grassroots supporters who are focused on helping Democrats win at all levels of elective office. There is no difference between pledged delegates and automatic delegates - they each count as one delegate in the final tally and no distinction is made between them at the convention.
FACT: Neither candidate can secure the nomination without automatic delegates.
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The Obama campaign is trying to shut down the Democratic race before the rest of the country votes. There are still many states and territories that have not voted with almost 600 delegates at stake. These delegates represent more than 27% of the delegate votes needed for the nomination. It is mathematically impossible for Sen. Obama to secure the delegate votes needed for the nomination without a large number of automatic delegates. This is why, despite publicly attempting to discount the role of automatic delegates, the Obama campaign is aggressively courting - and pressuring - them behind the scenes.
FACT: Automatic delegates are expected to exercise their best judgment in the interests of the nation and the Democratic Party.
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The Obama campaign is claiming that automatic delegates must follow the lead of pledged delegates and switch their vote to Sen. Obama. This is false and unfounded - and it is contradicted by Sen. Obama’s top strategist, David Axelrod, who said, “These are elected officials from across the country and they’re supposed to exercise their judgment as to what would be best for the party. And as they look at this, they need to decide who would be the strongest candidate for the party.” This view is echoed by other prominent Democratic leaders, including House Majority Whip James Clyburn and DNC Chairman Howard Dean, who has said of automatic delegates, “Their role is to exercise their best judgment in the interests of the nation and of the Democratic Party.”
FACT: Florida and Michigan should count, both in the interest of fundamental fairness and honoring the spirit of the Democrats’ 50-state strategy.
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An important part of the debate over delegates is the role of Florida and Michigan. Hillary Clinton believes that the voices of 600,000 Michigan primary voters and 1.75 million Florida primary voters should be heard at the Democratic convention. In the 2004 presidential race, the turnout in Michigan was only a quarter of what it was this year - and the 2004 turnout in Florida was less than half of what it was this year. With such dramatically increased turnout, Hillary won those two states and she did it with all candidates on an equal footing. In Florida, all presidential candidates were on the primary ballot and all followed the rules (except for Sen. Obama who broke the rules by running television ads in violation of his pledge to the early states and to the other presidential candidates). In Michigan, Sen. Obama voluntarily withdrew his name from the primary ballot to curry favor with Iowa. He was under no obligation to do so. However, his supporters organized a substantial vote for ‘uncommitted’ on the ballot, thus he is represented in the delegation. Hillary Clinton obeyed all the rules in Florida and Michigan and came out ahead. She had no intrinsic advantage over her opponents other than the will of the voters. The voters of Florida and Michigan should be heard and the delegates from Florida and Michigan should count.
FACT: There is a clear path to an overall delegate majority (pledged + automatic) for Hillary Clinton after all states have voted — with or without Florida and Michigan.
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I saw a piece on two college kids who are superdelegates. I was shaking my head. Good kids I am sure, but incredibily devoid of any life experience of knowledge of real-life government.
This is truly shaping up to be 1972 McGovern.
“This is truly shaping up to be 1972 McGovern.”
That is unless something else unseen is in the works. And I agree with what Larry Johnson said:
I guess whats most disturbing is groups of so-called democrats sitting around plotting the demise of a potential nominee at this stage and then doing all they can to contribute to it. I made a bet with an african american friend early in this campaign. He bet me that many white democrats would never stand for a black nominee and some would never vote for him but others would find a false reason not to. I took the bet because I thought he was wrong. I’m not so sure anymore. When I hear people impugning the intelligence of a man who is obviously intellent, it tells me that something else is going on here. When I hear attacks on the candidates wife when Bill Clinton (who lets face it, has been disbarred) moes unscathed and is never discussed, it tells me that somethings going on here. Maybe this will be the end of the democratic party coalition of Blacks, Hispanics and Whites. Maybe the coalition never really existed. Seems that it was ok when we asked blacks and hispanics to support our white nominees year after year after year. but now that the shoe is on the other foot, some of us say it can’t be done.
Just something to think about.
Anna,
I think that the answer to your question is in one’s philosophy of entitlement. Elites believe generally that society is unconditionally obligated to provide for those “not so fortunate as ourselves,” whatever that term may be defined as in any particular circumstance du jour They believe that such provision, which in essence is directly buying a vote, is a choosable path to political power. Barack and Michelle Obama are the current mainstream standard bearers for the entitlement philosophy, embodied in Michelle’s statement, “Give me something!” Contrast this to JFK’s statement, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” Both were Democrats. I could go into FDR’s creation of the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Depression (instead of just paying unconditional welfare to able-bodied men caught up in a situation beyond their control) and other examples, but you get the idea of the distinction.
Entitlement elites and the people that they patronize and buy votes from are not unique to America, as anyone who has ever lived in Europe and kept their eyes and ears open is aware. In the UK, living “on the dole” (i.e., existing entirely on government-provided welfare for your entire life, even if you are perfectly capable of working) is considered an acceptable choice by many if one is willing to live with the financial limitations. I don’t think that American society has come quite that far–yet.
In contrast to the entitlement elites are most of what I perceive to be your family–people who consider working to live and provide for their families to be the normal state of affairs. The idea that the government is obligated to provide them a living in excess of what they are willing to work for is probably an unfamiliar, distasteful and awkward concept for them. They believe in a hand up instead of a handout for those who are able to work, and probably believe that total welfare should be limited to those who are truly unable to support themselves due to an unintentional personal situation or affliction, temporary or permanent.
And therein lies the fundamental difference between the Obamas and the Clintons. The Obamas speak for entitlement and to people who believe that the government owes people a living. The Clintons speak–just listen to Hillary’s speeches–to working and middle class people who just want the government and the economy to be structured and operated such that it fundamentally supports their work ethic.
Why, then, does Obama not appeal to working and middle class voters? Because they understand that they must bear the burden, through their payment of taxes, of supporting those who choose not to work and who vote for candidates who support this desired situation. This as opposed to Clintons’ vision of paying taxes to create and manage a government and economic structure that serves as an amplifier and multiplier to one’s own efforts.
There are a few glitches in the Clinton platform, of course, a substantial increase in capital gains tax being one that I can readily think of at the moment. But by and large, the Clintons style of government is oriented directly toward supporting the aspirations of the working and middle classes. The Obamas style of government is oriented toward creating a dependancy upon which they base the continuance of their power.
The Clintons think you are a fellow citizen to be assisted. The Obamas see you as a fool to be exploited. At least that is my view.
I agree with those last two sentences. I say they’re hoodwinking you, (but I’ll do the same and you won’t even know it.)
You’re retired? You should send her your resume. I hear she’s continuously recruiting retired professionals and experts to help clean up that bush mess and inspire and train the next generation of government workers. She wants to raise the stature of government service, get rid of hacks and bring in pride of doing a great job. She thinks government can work for us, and you can tell her to leave the capital gains tax at 15, she said she probably would, but might raise it to the 20 is was under Bill. I’m with you on that one. Plus, thanks for the expert comment. If someone is silly enough to feel entitled, they ought at least to try to hide it.
Larry knows how to get in touch with me if the DNC comes to its senses. The Bush administration has done a fabulous job of turning my former profession into a dysfunctional mush of leaderless inexperience that only now is trying to right itself.
In the meantime, I am doing what I can to create jobs and offer a hand up to those willing to grab it and hold on. I just spoke today to a young lady that a couple of years ago was a doped up unwed mother who woke up, took a look at her infant son one morning and realized that she was the only one standing between the little tyke turing out like her.
My partner and I and our small town network of professionals took a chance on her and gave her a job, help with finding decent housing, transportation, and educational assistance. Now she’s self-supporting and well on her way to becoming a licensed financial professional. I hardly recognize her as the stringy-haired punk who walked into our office two years ago with little more than a burning desire to see that her son didn’t end up like her.
That’s the way we do it in America. Or at least that’s the way we should be doing it. But it’s certainly not the way that the entitlement elites would do it. They would keep her in susbsistence poverty and make her depend on a welfare check for the rest of her days. And to the extent that they could turn her son into a second generation of hopelessness, so much the better for their own kids’ political aspirations.
Sound cynical? I’ve seen it up close and personal, and it disgusts me.
Oh, before I forget, for about the last six months, the above-mentioned employee’s excellent job performance has attracted some new clients into our partnership, generating enough additional income such that we just hired another employee (there are actually six of us now). Yet one more person off of the streets, onto a payroll and getting benefits like healthcare and a 401(k). Eat your heart out, Michelle! Neither of our two newest employees, although they are twenty-something females, are voting for your hubby.
DVR O Reilly tonight - going to have on the Clinton support group who is against Obama.
Also, please make calls for Hillary! She is fighting for us.
She needs our help in Or and Ky. They pay for the calls.
The easiest way to tell if someone is an elitist? Observe how they treat a secretary, the clerk at the grocery store, or the parking lot attendant. If they treat them like they are a valuable person, then they are probably not elitist.
I have a lot of education, but have never considered myself better than anyone else. This may be because I have been on my own since I was 16 and have worked since I was 15, and will be continue to pay my educational debt for 30 years (maybe 25 if I am lucky).
I lived in an elitist town for 8 years and didn’t make any friends there. I thought there was something wrong with me and said to a city friend “Those are not my people”. My friend wisely said, “They’re not anyone’s people!” The day I left that town was a happy, happy day!. The elitist can have their towns, and if they like, their political parties. I’m sticking with the regular people!
I’ve been to parties where no one knew who I was so no one would talk to me. i knew the hostess, and I’m pretty interesting, sort of, but no one wanted to chance getting stuck talking to me. Weird?
anna shane — I only know you through your posts but I can tell you that I would find you the most interesting person in the room.
The easiest way to tell if someone is elitist is if they demand what they are unwilling to do themselves because it is beneath them….
One of the wealthiest self-made citizens ( restaurants ) of my home town drives the van with volunteers one night each week to an underpass to feed the homeless…and hand out food from the restaurants he owns…Our town still has no residential homeless shelter….This is among the other charties