1. [n]  the belief that rulers should be chosen for their superior abilities and not because of their wealth or birth
2. [n]  a form of social system in which power goes to those with superior intellects

Meritocracy
It`s the summer of 1966, and Harry Nolan, Yale grad and son of a senator, is going off to Vietnam, leaving behind his beautiful wife, Sascha. The tale of the weekend before Harry`s departure is told by his friend Louie, looking back from many years later. Louie has the advantage of hindsight, contrasting the political scene in `66 with that of the early 21st century--and he also reports on the tragic event that, even more than the war, has defined his group of friends.

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