Academic vs. Practical

Saw a brilliant post over at CDR Salamander.  You can read it here.  He quotes Adm Rickover about people who are inclined to the academic vs the practical.  In a short, succinct post, he has captured what I believe is largely the reason we're in such a mess as a country.  Check it out.  He also provides one of my favorite all time quotes from William F. Buckley.  Can't resist to copy it here for your edification.  Classic!

"I'd rather entrust the government of the United States to the first 400 people listed in the Boston telephone directory than to the faculty of Harvard University."