We've all been either amused or outraged by the rightwing evocation of latte sipping, sushi-eating, volvo-driving, New York Times reading, etc. , etc. and etc. progressives. It's almost surreal to listen to the defenders of the rich and connected attempt to tar those concerned about inequality of opportunity, health care, climate change, or what have you, with accusations of smug condescension toward the masses. It's a classic technique; deflect attention from the content of your opponents argument by criticizing his demeanor or his - usually speculative - motivation. The latest example of a de facto conservative aristo damning progressives as members of a coddled elite, self-righteously patronizing their social inferiors, can be found in a recent column by George Will on the lessons about the much maligned modern welfare state that he thinks we should take from Downton Abbey.
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