I recall in my younger (pre-college) days benefiting substantially from rubbing shoulders with kids whose parents were academics (not at any big-name schools -- just regular, decent-enough state universities), and the substantial cross-pollination effect that had on my own development. And the idea that I myself, just might, if I really worked my ass off, be able to pursue their path -- was actually really incredibly inspiring.

The wholesale evisceration of this group of professionals, as a class, as we have witnessed in the U.S. -- combined with the near-total demolishng of any genuine sense of hope for anyone seriously considering a career path in academia (even the best and brightest) -- cannot possibly bode well for society.