ELITISM

  I have problems with democracy. I say most people are ill-prepared to vote /decide what’s best for society. I don’t trust assemblies of such people; I fear their collective strength. Society is best served by a select group of leaders. Highly educated, trained, and groomed to wield power—perhaps even manage centrally planned economies— they should maintain law and order, promote production of wealth, and guide the masses. (Note: Elitists often identify with capital not labor, and with experts not the people’s collective wisdom. In democracies, some use money to magnify their voices and manipulate outcomes.)

IDEALISTIC POPULISM

“The People — Yes!” This sums up my trust in people’s collective wisdom, resourcefulness, and ability to overcome defeats and what can be paralyzing cynicism. “Together, We Are Strong!” embodies my faith that—though they may struggle to do so—they’ll triumph over forces wanting to fool them with misinformation, divide them with prejudice, dominate their workplaces, and wrest power from communities seeking to control their own affairs. I recognize their hard work and promote their continuing education. Like Jefferson, I see common people as “the most honest and safe depository of the public interests.”