My (characteristically gentle, of course) suggestion that the representation of conservatives in some disciplines some of the time might have something to do with the intellectual merits has produced much indignation, but here at last I am decisively refuted (this courtesy of my favorite group-therapy blog for Straussians):
"Leiter is a famously clueless academic who writes endless pieces about the dangers of Straussians, and of letting philosophy departments slip outside of the analytic mainstream. He is tolerated because he provides a ranking of philosophy departments that please many powerful people. They like Leiter because he keeps philosophy fairly pointless: a fine mix of sterile analysis and not-too-leftwing, but-certainly-not-rightwing opinion. Such individuals are 'conservative' in the vulgar sense: they are quite happy with the way the ship is sailing, and simply want to avoid trouble in their lifetime. They console themselves that quicker 'progress' is not possible, as dumb white America would rebel; but that, if they can just keep things on track, a 'browning' of America will occur that will eventually allow for the socialist paradise of which they have long dreamt."
The author, one "Zoa," is without doubt qualified for a career in academia, perhaps in an ethnic studies program.
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