re: #1416 obdicut

Yes, I agree in principal, both of our examples are using anecdotal evidence, so neither of us can claim that this is the prevalent majority. I also associate with a large number of people at the advanced post graduate level and most of them are very sensible and reasonable people, though some are arrogant.

I should be clear that I am referring to a sub-set of academics, not those simply interested in their fields, but those who wish to impose their views on the unwashed masses.

This is a much stronger phenomenon in the UK were the disconnect between the politicians and the cultural elite is far more blatant. In the US it is still more egalitarian and populous governors tend to become president.

The US version of the cultural elite is best typified by the NYT and their fellow travelers among politicians and academia. They have nowhere near the extensive influence their counterparts in the UK and “Europe” enjoy.