The Transparency of Intellectual Elitism

"Knowledge is power." Sir Francis Bacon, 1597.

Human beings, by their fallen nature, are drawn both to power and to the knowledge they believe promotes that power. Knowledge held by certain individuals who perceive that their knowledge is uniquely held by them can provide a feeling of exceptional power. I'm going to call it "Intellectual Elitism." And I can see right through it.

My thoughts on Intellectual Elitism were brought forefront to my mind by the recent nomination by the President of Ms. Sonia Sotomayor as well as the comments of said nominee, who is intended to replace Supreme Court Justice Souter. Intellectual Elitism, I believe, totally interferes with the ability to use common sense

Briefly, some history. Bear with me, history is IMPORTANT.

In 1859 Charles Darwin of the Royal Society of London for the Improvement of Natural Knowledge, published his work "On the Origin of Species." I do not need to elaborate on what this publication meant in so many different areas of society, but suffice it to say that the theory that evolution occurs became accepted by the scientific community as FACT as well as by much of the general public. If you didn't accept this as fact, well then you weren't very knowledgeable. Mr. Darwin went on to publish many more works that resonated with people who in an time of Post-Enlightenment soaked up what he said. A "logical explanation" for the diversity of life seemed, during the hustling Industrial Revolution, to offer a form of "new" knowledge and provided for topics of public conversation. The theories of Darwin embedded themselves in personal philosophies, and then imagine: the feelings of thepower in "knowing" how to explain so many unexplainable things.

Also in 1859, soon after the publication of Karl Marx's Communist Manifesto, the middle classes and intellectuals of Europe rose in rebellion for a variety of reason, too many to list and not needed for my point of this anyway. Needless to say, the social situation in Europe and Asia (and even the US!) was very unsettled. Marxist theory espoused in the manifesto (as well as in Das Kapital) was initially intended to promote the individual out of class oppression. I'm not agreeing with his theories, but other people at the time certainly did. The philosophy following the theories stuck, of course, and revolution(s) ensued. Knowing at the time that the "individual" was intended to have power was, well, powerful!

Both Darwin and Marx have behind their complexities of theories a simplicity in theme: individuals subscribing to the adopted philosophies from the works elevated them mentally, and they acted it all out in a variety of ways at a time of profound social change. In other words, those living out their new-found knowledge-based philosophies meant they as persons were "better-than." The were intellectually superior, and this made them feel exceptional, distinct, and maybe even euphoric. They were "in-the-know." They were Intellectually Elite.

I do not believe by any stretch of the imagination that this time period showed the beginning of Intellectual Elitism. On the contrary, not only real history shows this but also fables, legends, proverbs and myths -common sense folklore, if you will- are full of demonstrations of what happens to someone when they are totally full of themselves. (See, another reason history is IMPORTANT!) But fast forward to this 21st century time frame, where the media shows us complete and total unapologetic demonstrations of Intellectual Elitism, made transparent by the convenience of diverse resources to provide us with a ton of information.

You can see Intellectual Elitism in Hollywood, reinforced by air-brushed images and insanely expensive clothing. It's in Washington, D.C. (and likely in the government officials in your own state) where party really doesn't matter any more because you're just too stupid to "know what we know." It is evident by the extreme "GREENS" who want us to believe that they KNOW their Smart Cars and Priuses (Priusi?) are smarter than your dumb sedan/truck/van/whatever. I contend that it absolutely flourishes among educators in most secular-based colleges and universities, even in high schools. These people believe they are "better-than" and that they "know more than." THAN YOU.

It brings me back to Ms. Sotomayor. She is an Intellectual Elitist. She "knows more than", she is "better-than". THAN YOU. Than a white man, than a non-latina, than, than, than-fill-in-the-blank. The people who support her believe they are better-thans. So does the person who nominated her.

The heir of Intellectual Elitism does not make true everything these people say. Sonia Sotomayer is showing you who she is, so believe her. Her espoused knowledge is uniquely hers as demonstrated by her many past public statements. Her knowledge is not power. Her Intellectual Elitism is showing. And it's completely transparent.

So now you know (wink).

A Site Worth Seeing

I have recently found another site to share. Founded by " Earl B.", The Conservative Underground (TCU) is "more than a social network." Read his explanation on why he started the website here:

Initially starting on Facebook, and since TCUNation.com's first appearance in late January, TCU has reached 8,000 members. Mr. Earl writes about the impressive numbers since in his blog here:

TCU has all the features of any social network, including posting and reading blogs, posting photos, adding friends, and chat. There are also opportunities to help out on the site: it's as simple as word-of-mouth reporting, pledging to recruit as few as 5 people (or, obviously, more if you want!),to helping keep track of legislation. The site has unique groups you can join as well as a group page-specific to your own state. As there is for now no advertising on TCUNation.com, I wholeheartedly believe that Mr. Earl's encouragement to gain more members is completely genuine. This is a great place to gather with fellow conservatives who at this time in our history MUST stay in communication with one-another. How perfect is the power of the Blogosphere to help do this?!

As for advertisements on the site? Mr. Earl, have at it. For one of the deep beliefs of most conservatives is that capitalism works, and CONSERVATIVE capitalism PROSPERS. My idea for your first advertiser/sponsor? How about a Conservatives' Virtual Bookstore, where you don't have to look on the bottom of shelves or ask for a book about, say, anti-global warming no one has ever heard of "but would happily special order it for you". (ok, personal experience used there) Anyone out there up for creating a bookstore like that!?!

So go to this site, my Conservative friends. Sign up, recruit your friends, and be a part of something that I believe shall become a big and bright star in the galaxy that is cyber-space:

What kind of Nation are we?

By now you have all heard what Barack Obama said at a press conference while on his visit to Turkey: "One of the great strengths of the United States," the President said, "is ... we have a very large Christian population -- we do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation. We consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values."

I don't really know what he meant by that, but I do know that I personally disagree with the statement about being a nation of "ideals." One of many dictionary entries that define the word "ideal" states, "something that exists only in the imagination; existing only in the imagination; not real or actual." As a conservative and hobby-historian, this does not wring true to me. Our Founding Fathers were very deliberate in contemplating what this nation would be about, and they very deliberately acknowledged a divine Creator as what bound us together. This divine Creator offered them guidance, strength and order. With their beliefs, documents were written for a nation that was religious in devotion to that Creator.

In the debates the Framers had during the Constitutional Convention,
Benjamin Franklin said on 28 June 1781, "...the longer I live, the more convincing proof I see of this truth - that God governs the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it possible that an empire can rise without his aid?"
The Framers were careful to make sure that religious freedom was of the utmost importance concerning the rights of citizens. Hence, the very first words in the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights. But, in my own interpretation, I'm not certain that they meant for citizens to have either NO religion or have an offensive and rebellious regard for it. In fact, the widely used "separation of church and state" is not part of any founding document but instead from correspondence regarding a discussion on the limit of powers in this new central government over the sovereign colonies. The federal government was to separate ITSELF from being involved in church(es) and (their) states, not separate (exlude) the church from the states.

Another Founding Gentleman, Benjamin Rush of Pennsylvania wrote on 19 March 1783, "Without religion, I believe that learning does real mischief to the morals and principles of mankind."

Getting back to the statement of being a "nation of ideals." If we as a nation do not acknowledge our Creator, our Higher Power, our "Entity Greater than Ourselves" for a solid religion in grounding and guidance, what kind of nation are we? A nation of "People Who Make Stuff Up"? A "People Who Do What is Popular Right Now"? A "People Who Do Whatever is Right in Thier Own Eyes?" If we are not a Christian, Jewish, or Muslim nation, then we are a nation without religion. Without religion, then we are indeed a nation of ideals.


Our 50 United States have all recognized a Divine Creator God in each of their constitutional documents, the majority of which are in their Preambles. Take a look:
Alabama 1901, Preamble We the people of the State of Alabama , invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution..
Alaska 1956, Preamble We, the people of Alaska , grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.
Arizona 1911, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arizona , grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...
Arkansas 1874, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arkansas , grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...
California 1879, Preamble We, the People of the State of California , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom...
Colorado 1876, Preamble We, the people of Colorado , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe...
Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy...
Delaware 1897, Preamble Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences...
Florida 1885, Preamble We, the people of the State of Florida , grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...
Georgia 1777, Preamble We, the people of Georgia , relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...
Hawaii 1959, Preamble We , the people of Hawaii , Grateful for Divine Guidance ... Establish this Constitution.
Idaho 1889, Preamble We, the people of the State of Idaho , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.
Illinois 1870, Preamble We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil , political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
Indiana 1851, Preamble We, the People of the State of Indiana , grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.
Iowa 1857, Preamble We, the People of the St ate of Iowa , grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution.
Kansas 1859, Preamble We, the people of Kansas , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.
Kentucky 1891, Preamble.. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties..
Louisiana 1921, Preamble We, the people of the State of Louisiana , grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.
Maine 1820, Preamble We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity .. And imploring His aid and direction.
Maryland 1776, Preamble We, the people of the state of Maryland , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...
Massachusetts 1780, Preamble We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction
Michigan 1908, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Michigan , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom, establish this Constitution.
Minnesota, 1857, Preamble We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings........
Mississippi 1890, Preamble We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work
Missouri 1845, Preamble We, the people of Missouri , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness . Establish this ConstitutionMontana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana , grateful to Almighty God for theblessings of liberty establish this Constitution ...
Nebraska 1875, Preamble We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom . Establish this Constitution.
Nevada 1864, Preamble We the people of the State of Nevada , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution...
New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.
New Jersey 1844, Preamble We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
New Mexico 1911, Preamble We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty..
New York 1846, Preamble We, the people of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.
North Carolina 1868, Preamble We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those...
North Dakota 1889, Preamble We , the people of North Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...
Ohio 1852, Preamble We the people of the state of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common.
Oklahoma 1907, Preamble Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty, establish this
Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences
Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance....
Rhode Island 1842, Preamble.. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing...
South Carolina, 1778, Preamble We, the people of he State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.
South Dakota 1889, Preamble We, the people of South Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties ....
Tennessee 1796, Art. XI..III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...
Texas 1845, Preamble We the People of the Republic of Texas, acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.
Utah 1896, Preamble Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.
Vermont 1777, Preamble Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man ..
Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other
Washington 1889, Preamble We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution
West Virginia 1872, Preamble Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ...
Wisconsin 1848, Preamble We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility....
Wyoming 1890, Preamble We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish this Constitution....

Amen.

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THESE United States

The 9/12 Project, launched by Glenn Beck back in March, has some great potential for political recovery for this country. The website, www.the912Project.com, has a lot of useful information: a "News" tab, some how-to info on organizing, of course the 9 Principles and the 12 Values (which most Conservatives will likely agree upon), and significantly, it has a "Vent" tab, where members can type out their frustrations.
Named for Beck's beleif of how most of America felt collectively after September 11, 2001 - namely, on the 12th of September - the 9/12 Project has very good ambitions.

Education is so important to understanding how we got where we are today politically, and history MUST be studied or, well, you know the cliche: we are doomed to repeat. A decent comprehension of the United States Constitution and other founding documents is essential to being American. A sad truth is that immigrants legally enterring this country and taking citizenship exams study more on this subject matter than most of our school kids do. I encourage everyone to pick a book and just start. If you don't know where to start, look at my reading list suggested here!

In studying, remember, government works from the inside out in this country. In other words, you start as local as you possibly can: from city to county; from county to state; from state to fed. So, it is just as important to study how your own state and localities operate as it is to know the Constitution of these United States.
One last comment. America is "These" United States. We are not "The" United States as one single entity but rather, as set up by the Founders by way of 13 colonies, a set of 50 Sovereign entities united together. I contend that making the distinction helps preserve the original intent behind the 9th and 10 Amendments to the Constitution as well.

May God Bless THESE United States.

I came across a great YouTube Video put out by Dennis Prager. I believe this explains some very important information for people to understand to support the Conservative belief system. It's called "The American Trinity." This country is unique; there are people within who are trying to tear it down. Continue keeping God in your life, pray to Him about America's future - that His will be done - and have faith that God always triumphs over evil.
Take a look:

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Enjoy! And have a great weekend!!