From the Arch

A letter to the New York Times is revealing:

"Thomas L. Friedman (”Better Late Than . . .,” column, March 17) finds it ”obnoxious” that Americans ”consume 25 percent of the world’s energy, while we’re only 4 percent of the world’s population.”

Americans produce 31.5 percent of the world’s output — including food and pharmaceuticals exported to foreign countries. What’s so obnoxious?"

"Obnoxious." Like a group of firefighters from Cincinnati touring the Louvre?

Many, especially the self-appointed cultural and political patrons, have an aesthetic objection to the U.S.. Deprived of their historical leadership confirmed by heredity, lethargy and time, they have retreated to the high-ground of taste. From their disdainful perch, regardless of achievements, the Americans will remain regrettably déclassé, a state from which there is no immediate escape. Recall how they lost their collective minds when the unfortunate Amy Wax made the social blunder of extolling bourgeois virtues. Imagine! Bourgeois!

The poor dear. She just can not help herself.