Democracy and the Pathology of Wealth -- Michael Parenti

[Octafish]

"Most of the world is capitalist. And most of the world is poor."

[Overseas]

1. K&R. Thanks for posting. So refreshing to hear an honest talk.

[Octafish]

9. TUC Radio Michael Parenti Archive

Great audio:

http://www.tucradio.org/parenti.html

Unlike most of those passing for intellectuals these days, Michael Parenti has INTEGRITY.

[Overseas]

12. Thank you. I agree.

[jonthebru]

3. There it is!

This guy is right on. Capitalism is not the same as democracy. If we live in a capitalist system, why aren't we all rich? Why? Because a very few individuals and families are accumulating the wealth of our whole culture. The rest of us are poor, face it. Also, by definition, a "multinational" corporation is not loyal to any given government or nation, so it behooves us to understand that their interests are not the same as our national interest.

[Octafish]

10. Very clear writing, yours.

That helps explain the situation. When a good chunk of the best and brightest devote their careers to making money for those who have it, pretty soon those with the means control most of the wealth. It used to be government's job to level the playing field, but we've seen how the revolving door between Wall Street and Washington mean banks and the billionaires are too rich to investigate, let alone jail.

Here's a good example from 2008, where in KPFA discusses Commerce Secretary nominee Penny Pritzker is discussed:

The thing is pretty much audio, but it does include enough names and organizations to launch avenues of investigation. If only the, uh, law allowed.

[cui bono]

4. I was just cleaning out a HDD and ran across a bunch of Parenti stuff.

Love this man. Thanks for posting, going to listen later on.

[Octafish]

11. Michael Parenti is a national treasure. Here's audio on 'Conspiracy and Class Power'

It's audio only -- and probably old news to you, cui bono -- but to those new to Parenti's work, it's enlightening.

[cui bono]

14. Yeah, I've heard that one. I got to see him speak once.

One of the questions submitted was from a woman who asked him if he would marry her.

It wasn't me, I swear!

[limpyhobbler]

5. tagging to watch later

[Doctor_J]

6. A true lefty. That is why you never hear or see him

Hartmann should have this guy on instead of those right-wing crazies he gives air time to.

[drynberg]

8. Agreed

We should let Mr. Hartman know that RWers ain't any fun, nor do they impart the truth nor knowledge, just spin at best and usually just plain ole lies.

[Pharaoh]

7. Brilliant!

[limpyhobbler]

13. good. nt