Most of the time. I think it has to do with knowing how to grease the right wheels. Incompetence seems to be an art with them. Also, look at how many people in positions of power really don't know what they're doing. Do you think they really want to hire someone who is intelligent and motivated? That's a threat. I bet you don't have to look very far to find some examples yourself.
Thank you. I don't know where I'd be without my Dad. He's a much better father than my "real" one could ever have been.