[Tainnor]

It would be aristocracy if you had to be born into it.

Now, I'll admit that the US system of mostly only very rich people getting access to top universities is not exactly fair - but you can in principle become a politician no matter your background.

I don't think it's crazy to assume that qualifications matter. And most of the US's best presidents (such as Lincoln, both Roosevelts etc.) were highly educated and had had political careers before.

[fuzzfactor]

I know what you mean, we've come a long way from "Honest Abe" to "Dishonest Don" :\

[bilvar]

Err no. Let me educate you a bit. The word aristocracy is an ancient Greek word that means “Rule of the most capable/best”.

[Tainnor]

I'm aware, having taken Ancient Greek in high school, thank you very much. Meanings shift. An aristocracy is not a meritocracy and is mostly distinguished by its reliance on social status instead of actual merit.

See e.g.: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/aristocr...

[bilvar]

I’m Greek so I’m using the actual meaning of the word, not the one produced by Western hegemony.

[Tainnor]

We're speaking English here and not Greek.

[bilvar]

I’m not asking you to speak Greek, just to respect it.

[samatman]

Aristocracy is not a Greek word. You're confusing it with the Greek word aristocracy. Hope that helps.

[thfuran]

But we're speaking English.