Historically the elite got its power, status and wealth by inheritance; today the elite in the United States might get its power, status and wealth by inheritance, or it might get it by industry, education and profession. But one meaning of "elite," or "aristocratic," or "upper class" that is often lost in our language is the concept that these refer to "the few." The idea that all should be elites is as foreign to our language as the idea of class dominance was through most of American history.

We do not want a government of the few, by the few and for the few. We want all to have the education of leaders, the wisdom of the best; but we do not want a nation governed by a few influentials who expect special privilege. Any government by the few will not be the best, since it will naturally shortchange the true needs of the people.

A lot more needs to be said about getting a truly superb, world-class education and model of opportunity to all. Otherwise, the American Dream will dwindle and disappear. It is too far down that path already. Nearly every group, party, league and other group proposing to take America in the right direction is unfortunately based on the leadership of members of the elite classes. But any real solution to America's challenges will address the reality that until nearly all of us become leaders a nation for, by and of the people is practically impossible.

That this reality is difficult is true, but it is not an excuse to ignore this truth. In fact, it is all the more reason we should get to work on this challenge immediately.