LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Be careful calling candidates 'elite'

Thom Anderson made his case for whom he considers as “elite.” First, let’s define the word “elite.” Taking out some of the descriptive words to illustrate the word, the following is the definition from Merriam-Webster’s on-line dictionary. “The choice part: the best of a class: the socially superior part of society: a group of persons who by virtue of position or education exercise much power or influence: a member of such an elite.”

Naturally, the fact that John McCain’s father was an admiral in the navy automatically classifies him as an elite according to Mr. Anderson. Then with the usual attack on the Bush family, their social and economic position automatically classifies them as elites in Mr. Anderson’s world. Where were the comparisons for the Kennedys, John Kerry, and so many other very prominent Democrats in the elite category? Jay Rockefeller is a Democrat and belongs to a family of extreme wealth and privilege.

What makes an elitist? Is it privilege, education, social status, gender, race, wealth, business connections? Or could it be the way some people come across and their comments classify them as being or wanting to be an elite? Could it be their general demeanor and attitude toward others causing a reaction akin to confronting elitism?

JFK certainly had the credentials to be an elitist but he never came across as one. However, his younger brother Ted smacks of an air of elitism so which one is the elite? Perhaps both, perhaps neither? Maybe if one considers the green issue and alternative power sources, elitism may have found a home with the entire Kennedy family. The Kennedys are great supporters of global warming and finding alternative energy sources. Yet, when a windmill facility was proposed offshore from Hyannisport where the Kennedy enclave is located, they raised a stink over the idea and it was abandoned. Why? Because it would interfere with their sailing and view of the ocean. Is that elitist or not? I have met those who think they are among the elite when in fact there is nothing in their background to warrant such an attitude if that is how an elite is defined. I have met the recent rich along with the long time rich and generally the recent rich have a much more defined elitist attitude as if they have somehow become more important than others because of their new found wealth.

Barack and Michelle Obama come across as elitists. Whether the label is accurate or not, that is the perception of a large percentage of the electorate. When I watch Obama on television, I get the sense of elitism especially when he cries foul over any attack by the opposition. I get the sense of elitism when he made his comments about the Tennessee Republican party and their ads questioning Michelle’s patriotism. Lest he forget, he and she made the decision to put her on the campaign trail and she made some comments that became red meat for the opposition. If they did not want to be treated as politicians and suffer the same slings and arrows, they should have stayed home. But to complain about campaign tactics and make some veiled threat about how Michelle is treated is nothing short of elitism.

Mr. Anderson, you could be considered among the elite. You columns clearly indicate an attitude of superiority over anything conservative or Republican and considering both are still in the majority in this state, what does that say about you? Elite or not?

W.B. Rogers
Timmonsville