Discuss "Kennan, Huntington and the power of intellectuals"

The dark side of the Intellectual class - and they are definitely interest groups - was described in Halberstam's THE BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST which illuminated the catastrophic effect Academia had on formulating war policy. These people continued their influence in government as counselors to Presidents and Legislatures and they NEVER suffered any consequences for their brilliantly bad ideas . President Johnson had a famous exchange with Sam Rayburn. LBJ "Sam, you can't believe how brilliant these people are." Sam "Lyndon I'd feel a hell of a lot better if just one of those people had ever run for county sheriff."

Verbwank @ 8:51 PM PST, Jan 5, 2009

Comments 1 & 2, are both incorrect. Intellectuals free of political ideology? What a sweet, platonic and unrealistic idea. The people know best? Hardly, my friend. The south would still be segregated if they did. Here's a clue: intellectuals think deeply for a long time.....

dm @ 3:00 PM PST, Jan 5, 2009

Isn't the classic definition of an intellectual someone who foregoes ideology? If so, wouldn't a "conservative intellectual" be akin to a Presbyterian atheist? And, by all means, let's frame the beginning of more discussions with the characterizations of the late Gov. George Wallace. We could soon find ourselves well on our way to capturing the social delights and political marvels of the 1950s.

Jerry Scharf @ 7:06 AM PST, Jan 5, 2009

Proverb: Shine a Light, and the people will find their own way. Last thing that I need from Government, is to be told how to live my life. If all that the Government did were to secure the Borders, Ports, and other points of entry, Keep the Criminals away from the public, and provide roads, highways, and fair commerce laws, I'd be happy. All this don't eat this, don't smoke there, and your thermostate has to be set such, leads to a Government that over time abuses its people.

David Molinero @ 5:37 AM PST, Jan 5, 2009