I also think that Mr. Brooks is suffering from his inability to admit that he is one of those elites. It is really easy for people who are well off tho waggle their fingers at those who are less fortunate. Hard work doesn't just get you to the top. Luck is a big factor. But to admit that luck and place have helped out is somehow fallen out of favor with a lot of elites, as if that invalidates their efforts. Whatever happened to humility?
If you’re doing reasonably well, and your life is stable, then it’s likely you’re saving and spending as much as you “like” to. That’s very different than spending as much as you “got” to. Try to remember that the next time you’re lecturing someone you don’t know on how you’re doing a better job than they are.
The quote and link above reminds me of when Mrs. Romney was taking offense to comments that being a stay at home mom is a full-time job and isn't something to use as a put down. So what about all those single and poor mothers who 'should go and find jobs to support their children?'
UPDATE: July 16: Andrew Sullivan nails it on elites and responsibility. He calls out conservatives, but I think that Democrats are doing their best to play catch up here in a lot of ways as well. The money bit:
The reason America's elite finds itself under so much criticism is not that they are elites. It is that they have become self-serving, accountability-free elites.Whenever someone says 'well, the markets will judge the actions of x' or something along those lines, this is abdication of responsibility. If you do something, you are responsible to see it through. You do not get to claim credit for success if you will not own up to the possibility of failure. Politicians can claim that the electorate will pass judgement on their actions, but if the politician does everything they can to obscure, hide, and exaggerate their actions, then what is being judged is not the reality, but the perception.
