Michael Parenti – Capitalism

Program Title: Michael Parenti – Capitalism
Description: Discussions about democracy probably started in Athens about 2500 years ago. A truism is society is democratic to the extent that its citizens play a meaningful role in managing public affairs. U.S.-style democracy is located within the capitalist economic system infamous for producing colossal inequality. There’s no level playing field, as great income and wealth translate into political power for the haves at the expense of the have-nots. We have procedural democracy: elections, broadcast debates, primaries, etc. Citizens are largely marginalized, overwhelmed by big money and powerful lobbies. Look at the widespread demand to ban assault weapons or for universal single-payer health care or to protect the environment or for affordable housing. People want those things but elites have a simple message: Vote. Then go home and leave everything to us. Actual democracy is hollowed out. A Davos-type class rules.

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Featured Speakers/Guests: Michael Parenti was a leading independent political analyst, scholar and author. Cornel West called him “a towering prophetic voice.” He taught at major colleges and universities in the U.S. and abroad. He is the author of numerous books, including Democracy for the Few, Power and the Powerless, The Assassination of Julius Caesar, and Against Empire. He died on January 24 at the age of 92.

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Topic: Politics Type: Speech/Presentation

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