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Would-be autocrats (26 February 2009)

One comes close to sensing in this article a delight in the possibility that tuition hikes, the leveling of the middle class into the depressed poor, might bring with it an end to mass striving and the re-emergence of the aristocratic ideal. Imagine some Republic, where the elites are few and apparent; trusted to roam where they will; spared the indignity of sharing space with noisome lessers; and you will share in every conservative scholar's non-egalitarian dream.

How about let's stick to the progressive plan, people. That is, one which values life enough to not ever give up on the idea of bringing to the fore, EVERY human being's beauty and genius -- not just the few stellar Obamas needed to delight, comfort, and lead the support of an aging, sagging, populace.

(About institutional leadership and spirited teachers "surprising" and "shocking" their hard working, appreciate students: Five words: "Don't taze me, bro!" And maybe seven others: "Thank you, sir!--May I have another!?")

The sixties generation was a great generation because they learned to look to themselves rather than to the establishment -- true Romantics unshackle themselves, in part, by shackling their teachers. Whatever the post-secondary rucus, really explore what you can do with your own journals, discussion groups, and ready access to itunes U. Let's make it so that if there must be a really best, they're the ones freely sharing, loving, and living, outside the scholar's tower.

Link: After Meltdown, Back to School?

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