Jesse Beers-Altman's letter ("Liberal thinking is part of university," April 11) neatly defines "elitism" in terms that any conservative Centre County rube can understand. "Education often goes hand in hand with liberal thinking," Beers-Altman writes, unambiguously declaring the superiority of liberalism over the plebeian masses. Yet despite their educational advantage, liberal Democrats can't seem to persuade the American voter. Is it really a wonder that people respond to elitist academics with suspicion and distrust? Mid-term elections are coming up next year, and I suggest that Democrats alter their campaign platform. "Vote for us because we're better than you" has been a dismal failure.