In Defense of Being Educated

Much attention was made of Hillary Clinton's interview last week with USA Today, when she noted that support for Barack Obama "among working, hard-working Americans, white Americans, is weakening again, and how whites in both states who had not completed college were supporting me."

Many found her comments about race divisive and problematic. Overlooked was what she said at the end -- that voters "who had not completed college were supporting me."

Let's look at this a moment.

It's fair to say that people who haven't completed college have less education than those who have completed college. And saying that that someone has less education is the same as saying they're less smart. And calling someone less smart is saying that they're -- well, dumber.

And Hillary Clinton thinks this is a badge of honor?? It's one thing, after all, to call your supporters dumber than your opponent's. It's another to proudly trumpet the fact.

Most politicians tend to present why they are the best, what they can offer to the public to make their constituency a better place. Even Ronald Reagan, who didn't set very high standards of excellence, wanted Americans to seek a "shining city upon a hill." Barack Obama's hope is "Yes, we can," to inspire Americans to reach for their best. Hillary Clinton is proudly saluting that her appeal is to the dumber voters.

Way to pander.

To be very clear, before people leap (which they will) -- calling someone "dumber" is not the same as calling them "dumb." Put two Nobel Prize-winning physicists in a room, and one will be dumber than the other. But they're both really smart people.

And also to be clear, there are college-educated people who snake through four years and leave the ivy-covered walls dumb as a rock. And people who never went past high school who you'd be happy to have them lead you anywhere.

But while we're being clear, let's also be honest.

When picking a surgeon to operate on you -- would you prefer one with a college education, or one of those unlicensed doctors? Why? If you need someone to defend you in court, are you more likely going to want to have an attorney who went to law school, and actually graduated? Yes? Why?

We tend to require college education for the most valued aspects of life. Teachers, for instance. Air traffic controllers. Registered nurses. FBI agents. Nuclear physicists. CPAs. Commercial airline pilot. Veterinarians. On and on...

George Bush says he listens to the generals on the ground. Do you? Good. But you do understand that all those generals went to college. West Point tends to make that a requirement.

By the way, though we disparage them, it's a safe bet (since we elect them) that we want our politicians to have gone to college.

Right now, there are those ready to boil up a faux-cry of "Elitist!" And a faux-cry it is, particularly because it tends to come from the party of actual elitism. But mainly, education has nothing to do with elitism. It has everything to do with human beings wanting the best. Wanting the best for themselves when needing medical care, legal defense, flying on an airplane, safe bridges, military leadership, on and on. Wanting the best, period.

People have different goals, temperaments, life situations, needs. So, some go to college, and others don't. But most people in life want more for their children than themselves, to reach loftier heights. Isn't having a good education generally the goal? Honestly? Don't we all wish for the best for our children? For us?

Honestly?

When denigrating education, understand that it has an effect. Dismissing science, math, history does not exist in a vacuum. Medical research will grow overseas. Other countries will invent computer technology once invented in America. Electronics development will take place internationally, as will the jobs. Creative automobile leadership will occur elsewhere.

Education matters. It has nothing to do with elitism. Being elitist doesn't mean striving for the best, trying to be as talented, smart and accomplished, as qualified as you can be and want others to be. That's the point of life.

Being elitist is dismissing other people's worth as people because they haven't reached your self-imposed standards. That's completely different from wanting everyone to reach that same high standard, and striving to bring that about.

Striving to reach a high standard. Hoping to become the best we can be. Working for our children to do even better than us. It's what we want.

Unless, apparently, you're Hillary Clinton. Then you proclaim that you should be president of the United States specifically because voters who support you are not as educated as your opponent's.

Senator Clinton's claim reminded me of an email I received a few days before. One of her supporters was furious at a prayer I'd written for Ms. Clinton, and said it was the last straw, that he wasn't going to vote for Barack Obama should he become the Democratic nominee. I thanked the fellow for writing, and mentioned that I said Hillary Clinton had much good in her, and might one day be president, suggesting he seemed to have missed that part.

What I didn't write was that anyone who wouldn't vote for a candidate because of what someone other than the candidate believed -- well, that person probably shouldn't vote. But then, I guess when you're going for the "My voters are dumber than yours" base, it's not surprising when occasionally that's what you get.

Comments

[XME]

Love this article!

[magen]

So basically she's sayin-

I'm the stupid people candidate, and I promise to make the stupidest decisions when all you idiots out there put me in office.

Real smart and classy, Hill! You go girl!!

[adavis08]

The MSM, and Hillary Clinton's comments are some of the reason that these so called uneducated voters don't support Obama. When they are brainwashed with the comments that Barack's supporters are college educated, some of them then feel excluded and flock to Hillary. They also know the Clinton name. Barack has the ability to reach these voters given half the chance.

[RhondaSTL]

Education does not equal intelligence, just as having no college degree doesn"t mean you are stupid. That being said, one of the greatest benefits I received from my college education was being exposed to new and different ideas " learning to open up my mind to something different than what I was raised with. I grew up in a small town where pretty much everyone thought the same way and being open to new and different ideas was frowned upon. My parents and many of the people still living in my home town are certainly not stupid, but live their lives in a rather closed off bubble that is comfortable to them. Many of them are suspicious of those who are highly educated and well traveled. Some of my family members and their friends really do believe that Senator Obama is a Muslim and isn"t loyal to America. It"s stunning, but it"s there and ignoring it isn"t going to move us forward.

I sincerely hope that Senator Obama gets the opportunity to lead our country and break at least some of the old strangleholds that exist in areas of our country.

[HSimpson]

Is she REALLY saying that? Or is she saying that these less than BA degree, some just high school educated, hard working (blue collar, sweat for a living) white people (in no way implying that only whites work hard) are a massive block of voters? Isn't she saying that if this massive block of voters feel the Democratic nominee is an "elitist" ( in my world someone who is highly educated but has little regard or respect for the opinions of those "beneath" them) that the party may lose those votes? Isn't she saying that this massive block of voters is vital to a Democratic win? Is she not saying that these voters are breaking towards her rather than Obama? I didn't feel I was being called stupid or dumb by her, and much to my dismay I was never able, for family and financial reasons, to progress beyond an AA degree. I'm well aware that I am not even in the same hemisphere when it comes to education as a Clinton or an Obama. I can tell you that when I hear a highly educated person make a statement to a group of other so called educated people, not implying, but saying (to paraphrase) "those people cling to their guns and religion" THAT is when I feel I am being called stupid, dumb, ignorant. This woman has a point. Believe it or not.

[Zenobius]

Hillary and her supporters are not claiming that their voters are either better or worse than Obama's, merely that they have different interests. So this post rather misses the point, in my view.

Obama has a lot "Can't we all get along?" appeal. This makes him a favorite of liberals and people who think dealing with the effects of racism is one of the most important political problems the country faces. Both social liberals who are doing relatively well, and blacks are agreed on this.

Working class Americans may think the decline in wealth and political influence of the "middle" class in the last twenty years is a bigger problem. After all, it is their wages that have gone down in inflation adjusted terms. Obama's centrist, can't we all get along together attitude and his having opposed the war, may not appeal to these voters. To my mind, instead of putting these voters down, we should be looking for ways to appeal to them. Considering that they could back McCain, who is a better representative of most of their views on values issues, they've shown good sense in backing Hillary.

Since there are a lot of these voters, maybe we should stop worrying about whether or not they are racist, and start worrying about what we can offer them in the general election.

[Necron99]

if he is very good, and we are very lucky, he can make it clear to them that other poor/working class people are not their enemies, or even their rivals.

It's time to end the socialism for the rich, capitalism for the poor system this administration so loves...

[nikto]

I've been a public school teacher for 28 years, and I can honestly say that nowadays there are far more teachers than in past decades who, while having college degrees, do not seem all that well-informed or broadly-educated (as many of my own childhood teachers used to be), and are ignorant of much of what I consider just "basic knowledge" that any truly "educated" person should have
at least some awareness of.
And that's among TEACHERS!

It is just a symptom of a Lowbrow general Public, I'm afraid.

Sadly, It is what we, as a nation, have evolved into.

Besides my 4-yr dgree, I have attended hundreds of hours of additional classes, post-grad.

And if I am to be honest, I have to say that MOST OF WHAT I KNOW, I HAVE LEARNED ON MY OWN,
VIA MY OWN READING, RESEARCH AND *CURIOSITY*.

In college, I learned the basics, plus a lot of stuff I have never used since, and have likely forgotten.
Plus, I learned more about HOW TO LEARN and surmount informational/educational challenges.

But I have learned far more ON MY OWN thru reading, traveling, and talking to smart people about relevant topics-Not small-talk. SMALL-TALK teaches you NOTHING, IMO.

I have never engaged in much small-talk in my life, and that has benefitted me also.
Just a personal habit, I guess.

[Calinative]

People had a lot more time to read and converse before the age of television and reality TV.

[suigeneris]

This article deals with a point that desperately needs to be made in the mainstream media. Why is everyone afraid of saying it?

[ManIs5]

Because in America, everyone is supposed to be equal. The Harvard grad is "equal" to the drug-addled night-shift desk clerk. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, no matter how flimsily supported. There are no castes. This is, of course, the great myth of American society.

In fact, we are a greatly stratified nation in terms of intellect and income. The problem is, we've been fed the myth since childhood and the lower rungs of the intellectual ladder feel that they have just as much right to their opinions and prejudices as people who have spent a lifetime educating themselves.

Personally, I'm smart enough to know that there are a lot of people smarter than me, and I should often give deference to their education and insights.

[Aaror]

Ultimatly, there is a reason for Clinton's vote advantage among voters with less education: Name recognition.
In state after state we have seen the same pattern, only lately changing as Obama's face has gained familiarity. Clinton starts with huge lead, Obama introduces himself, folks who listen to him/learn about him change to his side, Obama wins or greatly decreases Clinton's lead. That is why Florida is a biased vote, Obama didn't get to introduce himself because he followed the rules and didn't campaign there.
Now why do I bring this up regarding education? Well, who has more leasure time, who talks politics more, who reads more and watches less TV? College educated folks have the time to look at issues, High school folks are more likely to have two jobs, to have to do more work for less pay, and just don't have the time. So, in general, (I know lots of Clinton supporters have done their research too), Clinton wins the folks who vote on name recognition, Obama wins the folks who researched the issues.

[ManIs5]

Her West Virginia win makes it official: Hillary Clinton is the Queen of the Hillbillies.

[newpantaloons]

I like: "Hicks for Hillary"!

Or: "Hillbillies for HillBilly"!

[apduncan1]

"Thank God for the white trash vote" - H. Clinton

[Cathexis]

I keep hearing "Who would you rather have a beer with?"

I'd rather have a beer with someone intelligent, who can carry on a discussion while we drink. I wouldn't be caught dead having a drink with some brain-dead frat boy whose idea of humour is "Pull my finger!"

[newpantaloons]

I'd rather have a drink with my friends while my 'intelligent' President is 'intelligently' taking care of the economy, diplomatic relations and coming up with a good solution for leaving Iraq!

[PLUMPLUM]

Is there electricity or running water or paved roads in West Virginia yet. O k I didn't mean that. That black guy wearing the tam covering his dreadlocks is probably the only one not related to all the other members in that audience.

The college educated who didn't vote in that state hate the organizer aka Barack and the clean coal lobby. They don't want to have to pony up to clean up their dirty mining ways but, I guess the voters there don't realize who is on their side.

[TXfemmom]

I am disgusted with the posters on this site. I was born and grew up in WV and I now live in Texas and the graduation rate for WV from high school is much higher than that of Texas and many of the large cities in which many of you people live.

This elitism, and characterization of the people of WV isn't any different from RACISM. You are spouting off stereotypes, but scream RACIST at anyone who doesn't support Obama.

Obama keeps saying he is a uniter, but the comments from you Obama supporters, which are derisive, offensive, and just plain wrong about the people of WV ARE ANYTHING BUT INCLUSIVE. The Democratic Party is going to need those blue collar white votes, and the votes of West Virginians to win in the fall, and I see no reason for them to support Obama, considering what his supporters are saying about them. The Democratic Party was built on the basis of working people and it should be inclusive of them.

[Hastings]

Great post TXfemmom. You are just now experiencing the radical chic lefties disdain for the unwashed. Add to that their antidemocratic, antihumanitarian, and racist feeling towards the Iraqi people and you will begin to get an idea of what these phonies are all about. The truth is that there is not a dimes worth of difference between Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama on the issues. When Sen. Obama made his "bitter" remarks it allowed Sen. Clinton to move to the center. You are also seeing the MSM set up the general election with the message that only intelligent people are supporting Obama, while only dumb racist folks support McCain. Since Sen. Obama is a freshman Senator with no record who is running for President during a time of war so this is about all they have to hang their hat on. That and the novelty of Sen. Obama being the first African American nominated for President. Otherwise there is no there there.

[Flick08]

WV is one of the most physically beautiful states in our union. The people there seem to possess much of the rugged spirit and tough mindedness that has made America great. They seem to be people who'll do the kind of physically grueling work that most of us couldn't even imagine.

But that being said I wonder who would want their children to face the problems that most West Virginians face: lack of education, lack of career opportunities, high unemployment rates, and depressed wages?

West Virginians have the right to their own opinions and to vote as they choose but I don't think many people would want the rest of the country to 'enjoy' the same standard of living as WV.

I'm just saying...

[newpantaloons]

And, when you are listing their problems to overcome, don't forget having to do a dangerous job while your industry is being overseen by a government lackey whose real job is to overlook safety violations that are put in place by your employer for increased profits.

[Flick08]

Yet another reason to vote your best interests not your bias

[loril]

I have noticed that we all fling the word "elitist" around lately like it is the worst slur imaginable. At the same time, the glorification of the stupid is real. "Attitude" trumps thought. If you are loud enough or willing enough to shoot off your mouth "fame" ensues.

Ok, I'll go out on a limb and defend the "elite" for a moment. Like them or not, we need "the elite" to give the rest of us the nudge we need. Wasn't it the elite who first posited that the earth was round, that man evolved from lower life forms (making us all "elite" in comparison to our ancient ancestors) and that the earth would not tolerate our constant abuse (enviromentalism) -- just to name a few "elite" concepts that are now mainstream.

Sure, I am not special because I have a college degree. In my day, when middle class families could save some money and college was not as expensive, many middle and even working class people reached the goal of college. And I did meet some very narrow and conventional thinkers in college, just as I met some very wise and creative thinkers in my factory jobs. (and some people I met in the factory were college educated)

It is easier to beat up on the smart people than to aspire to think like them. It is easier to label higher education an elitist conceit than to strive to put it in reach of more regular Joes/Janes.

[truesoccermom]

I agree. I find Hilary's argument that she is the stronger candidate because she is the only one who can appeal to uneducated working class voters to be ridiculous and insulting. The uneducated "Reagan Democrats" gave us George Bush. Obama offers us a swell of new and passionate voters and will allow the more educated and informed voters to pick the President this time around. -- Should be better for the country that way.

[prithimp]

why not go a step further and say that your "educated informed vote" should count twice as much or maybe since they are "dumber" ( since your sensibilites are just too delicate to call them just plain old dumb = stupid} their votes should not be counted at all and viewed as a mere suggestion under advisement!
why is it that when I think of Hillary I associate the word "supporters " with her - an equal partnership - flawed human beings determined to be better than they can be ..together !.
When I think Obama I think -followers!?! a herd of unquestioning sheep incapable of coherent intelligent individual thought..but er ..educated of course! worshipping at the feet of the messiah.

And ref ...It's fair to say that people who haven't completed college have less education than .....are well, dumber.
NOOO!!!
1. it simply a demographic subset not a value judgement or an I Q validation!
2. it also means just that ..he/she has not completed college ! it not the same as saying that he is dumber ..that 's like saying George Bush is a genius because he graduated from Havard..one of the best schools in the world ! and lets not forget all the prodiguously intelligent idiots from all the top bussiness schools in the country who are responsible for the mortgage crisis i could go .on ...

flawed reasoning ,no logical progression of thought..or if you prefer LAME!!!

[MaryanneAZ]

Bush actually graduated from Yale.

I think Obama supporters are reacting to the ugliness that one has to accept with the notion that working class white voters would not support him. Obama and HRC are nearly identical in their platforms and plans for their White House (read their sites). They are, of course, one male and one female, but the glaring difference is their race. To base one's decision as a working class white person on the ugly premise that no matter how close their platforms are, the working class white person would not vote for a black candidate is hard to digest. It is a really sad reason not to vote for someone--because he is Black. It's the only real or significant difference between these two nominees and the only logical conclusion one can reach about these voters. -- Working Class White Woman for Obama

[Donise]

Well said.

[knosiswar]

The author of this post wouldn't be one of them 'elitist' would he?