Reply #48: I agree, I believe the ruling class has a litany of inside jokes,

[Uncle Joe]

they tell among them selves during these cocktail parties, disparaging the very people they're sent to represent.

Power will do that, with all the exquisite perks of the various leadership jobs feeding the morphing of their primary vocations from serving the people, to leading the people, to ruling the people becomes a most subtle, imperceptible and irresistible change.

I believe if a Mr. or Mrs. Smith were sent to Washington today, they would surely get the Al Gore treatment. If a representative was serious and dedicated about their job and not centered on the socializing, courtesan aspect so much, they would quickly be labeled stiff and boring only interested in wonky issues. Furthermore, I believe these cocktail parties may have influenced those millionaire pundits in their evaluation that "who would you be more comfortable having a beer with?" should play such a preeminent role in determining the occupant for the most powerful job in the land.