[Cerek]

Originally posted by The Hierophant: Can someone fill me in on just what the hell is wrong with being elitist? Some people are smart, graceful, beautiful, strong and articulate. Some people are simple-minded, oafish, ugly, weak and easily duped. Granted, these are subjective terms, but even given that, so what? Mammalian (and some insect)societies and their tiered class structures are based upon elitist principles! Who gives a s**t?

Being from the South, I don't see any difference between being an "elitist" and being "a$$hole".

Yes, some people are smart, graceful, beautiful and articulate
Others are simple-minded, oafish, ugly, and weak.

But all of these adjective apply on an individual basis, NOT to an entire geographic region. And the negative adjectives do not apply JUST because someone disagrees with you.

I disagree with the voters that supported Kerry, but I have not said any remarks about their personal attributes - other than to say that many of them were exhibiting an "elitist attitude" (an assertion easily supported by a plethora of insulting commentaries and editorials that have been printed in the weeks following the election). And even though I disagree with them, I still respect their views and their right to disagree with me.

I have no tolerance for those who can not respect opposing viewpoints and I especially have no tolerance for those who think they are "better" than those with an opposing viewpoint.