As we wrangle with the names Liberal, Progressive, Statist, Socialist, Collectivist, Communist, Marxist and Fascist, it should be evident that all have a common characteristic and that is Elitism. From Plato's Republic to Marx's workers paradise and all in between, the ideal societies they describe cannot function without a ruling class of Elites. The Elite will decide what is best for everyone based on an impartial and ultimately fair judgment of abilities and needs. The underlying belief is that humanity is nothing more than a herd of cattle or flock of sheep that must be controlled for their own good. Whether we call them the masses, the people or the public, it is the Elitist who must decide where they graze, what they eat, what care they receive and what they are permitted to do. Why would people agree to such a level of control? The fact is they do not but must be recruited to the Elitist cause and instilled with a belief in Elitism. This is more easily done than said.

I remember a caller to the Mark Levin radio program being asked if he knew what kind of light bulb to purchase. Mr. Levin was making a simple point but the caller exposed just how deep and insidious a grip Elitism has on many people. He responded that he knew what light bulb to buy, but he wasn't sure about others. The caller had been infected with Elitism, certain of his own ability to make the "right" decision but quite willing to accept that others had to be controlled to make the same decision.

The appeal of Elitism is that you may not be the smartest person alive but that you know who is and that you are certainly smarter than the masses who do not. The masses must be directed but you, the individual know the right choices. This elevates the believer in Elitism above the faceless and mindless masses and makes them an "individual" because they can think like other Elitists. Other people, to paraphrase a certain political figure, should just do as they are told.

The problem starts with the public education system where the foundations for Elitism are laid. The indoctrination is subtle but effective and begins with artificially created self-esteem in an environment of conformity. You may not know the correct answers to a math exam but you get an A for effort. However, you had better know that environmental issues have but one correct answer and failure to accept that answer marks you as stupid and irresponsible. Almost every Liberal argument begins with that seductive message that you are intelligent, so you must agree with the position being stated. This turns every issue into one of peer acceptance of your intelligence, whether it is a teacher preaching the environmentalist gospel or a politician arguing for gun control laws. More bluntly, if you do not accept the Elitist position, than you must not be among the elite, and if you are not among the elite, then you are part of the mindless masses that must be controlled.

The indoctrination continues in colleges and universities where mere possession of a degree somehow separates you from the ignorant masses, provided you have taken and passed the right courses. The study of science, engineering or medicine does not qualify you for membership in the Elitist hierarchy because what you know is not important but what you believe is everything. If you hold the right beliefs, despite any scientific evidence to the contrary, you are accepted into the Elitist hierarchy. Armed with the proper beliefs, you are now prepared to "make a difference," which further separates you from the masses. Foremost among these proper beliefs is that making a better world means controlling people that live on the planet, by whatever means necessary. Education, journalism, law and government are all instruments to promote Elitist rule. Conformity is rewarded and individuality is punished. Deception is commonplace and an acceptable means to control the masses because after all, it is in their best interest. Is this not what the Elitist in journalism, entertainment and politics believe?

The Elitist has a dim view of the free market because they see it as pure chaos. The idea of people making decisions in their own interest is in conflict with the Elitist belief that a better world cannot be made without their control and approval. The ban on 100 watt incandescent light bulbs is less about energy conservation than it is about control. The Mayor of New York's crusade about the serving size of soda is not about health but about the power to decree. He wants a healthy flock of sheep to be certain, but he will decide how that is achieved because he is so much smarter than the stupid sheep.

ObamaCare isn't about better healthcare for Americans but about controlling how that healthcare is distributed. Acting in your own interest when it comes to your health is, in the view of the Elitist, a selfish and wasteful practice because it does not consider the health of the flock or the value of certain members of the flock. Ultimately, it should never be an individual's choice to prolong their life since it is not an impartial and fair decision. The most important decisions about life and death, whether it is an abortion, euthanasia or benign neglect, must be made by the all-knowing Elitist using his concepts of how life should be valued. The free market for medical services has no place in the Elitist's perfect world. Your ability and desire to pay is an insufficient test of the worthiness of your life. The worthiness of your life must be measured in terms of what benefit it brings to the flock.

What Elitism really is was described long ago in the Bible. It is pride carried to an extreme and the desire to rule as a god. In the perfect world of the Elitist, there is no room for free will that may upset the Elitist creation and order. There is no place for Ten Commandments that may restrain the Elitist or stand between them and control of the masses. Pride is infectious and America's culture of Elitism is the result. It is an open sore in the Democrat party and a hidden virus among the establishment Republicans. The political parties fight for control of the government they see as an instrument of their Elitist desires.

The humility necessary to restore America to greatness is in short supply. What worked best, a moral people exercising free will as a God given right, must be reinstated or our once great Republic will join the ranks of failed civilizations. If establishment Republicans would stop drooling about the prize they hope to win and devote their platform to eliminating Govzilla, they may actually gain Conservative support and save our foundering Republic.