(And I certainly struggle with the grammar of it, too. I’m not sure you can be ‘an elite’ as a singular entity. But the evolution/abuse of language makes it so.)

But my point was simply if this charge is going to be leveled at people who strive to be the best they can be, why not embrace it? Average Joes revel in their averageness. It’s a badge of honour. So what better defense against this charge of elitism than to wear the tag proudly? Take back the word. Two can play the game. Let’s be ‘elite’. Whatever that means. Take the sting out of the attack.

“You’re part of the liberal elite!!”

“Yes, actually, I am.”

“Oooh….”

The Palins of the world are more than capable of hanging themselves, for sure. But they overstep the mark when they perpetuate this idea that intelligence and education makes you unable to understand people and their problems or makes you unqualified to lead. It’s insulting and offensive and we should NOT let it slide. Embrace the tag and demonstrate why the so-called elite are EMINENTLY qualified, the MOST qualified, to lead

I love the debate and appreciate the feedback, Danu.

As a call to arms though, I have a couple of issues with this approach as a strategy.

The main problem with calling yourself elite is shows a lack of modesty and a degree of arrogance. I’m pretty sure that it’s the perception of arrogance that drives people like Palin and the Plumber to do their thang rather than ‘being the best’ in and of itself.

Secondly, what exactly is the meaning of elite? Do you have to be an elite something? Can you actually just come out as “an elite” – a group of people regarded as the best in a particular society or organization?

Before we get into a debate over semantics, it may be worth noting that the word ‘elite’ originates from the French word ‘élire’, meaning elect.

This comes back to the point about modesty. The elite are marked out as such, ‘elected’ by others. You don’t get to nominate yourself as being better than the rest of society or claim to speak for it without royally pissing off the rest of society.

I would argue the best way to deal with folks like Joe and Palin is simply to give them enough rope.

But you’re right. Smart does count and the continued implications that to be elite is a bad thing need to be challenged whenever they occur. But as the old saying goes – “Never argue with idiots. They’ll just bring you down to their level and then beat you with experience.”

A better way to deal with it is to be what they are not. Show what it means to have intelligence, capability and integrity. Do what Bartlett did when he debated Ritchie in the West Wing.

Being part of the elite is a great honour and something to be aspired to. Elitism, less so.