Natural Aristocracie(s)

North Miami Beach, FL April 2, 2001 Aaron H.
Schectman

THINKING ALLOWED
Essays on issues, ideas and reflections on the times. Published now and
then, Opinions pro or con are welcome.
NATURAL ARISTOCRACIE (S)

It was interesting to see all the excited interest and self-flattery
involved in the groups who welcomed a traditional pair of Monarchs from
Spain down here in Florida. They almost were accorded the same kind of
acclaim that a rock star, movie star or athletic hero might receive.

But, it was while listening to my lesson on Jefferson via earphones and a
taped lecture that I gave thought to the idea of "natural" anything. This
is particularly important when you contemplate eating a plate of formerly
living altered, cloned and simply UN-natural organic material.

Jefferson, (May God Bless Him for some of his great ideas) believed in a
natural aristocracy of merit. Take Jefferson's own example of rare
reasoning power, imaginative creative drive, leadership ability and exalted
cultural values. If, he said, you were to give individuals the same kind of
EDUCATIONAL opportunities the natural "geniuses" would rise to the top where
they could be skimmed off and saved from the "rubbish". These are his
words.

Jefferson wanted leaders for the new American nation and he crafted a
number of unique and useful solutions towards which we have been striving
since their inception. I wonder - do we live in a Jeffersonian America
today? His notion of a natural aristocracy has overlooked some others that
we have discovered since his time.

Take for instance those listed in the first paragraph of this piece. Who
do young people look to as kings and queens? You guessed it, the
descendants of Beatles, Presley and Rolling Stones. Who do their parents
adulate? The Athletic Stars of yesteryear and maybe some of their overpaid
heirs of today. There may be a pantheon of stellar observers such as the
Hawkings of our day and the Newtons of yesterday. There certainly are no
real inheritors of the ability of such political figures as Jefferson,
himself, or a Washington or a Lincoln. Just look at the mess just swept up
and one that is coming. Perhaps the Kings and Queens of the old monarchies
are best. What do you think? Carol's Evaluation: out of 10.