The Threat of Democracy
Program #CHON218. Recorded in Istanbul, Turkey on January 18, 2013.
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The U.S. is the self-proclaimed global champion of democracy. But the term is used selectively. Take Hillary Clinton who was widely praised as an outstanding Secretary of State. At the height of the Tahrir Square uprising in Egypt protesting Mubarak’s 30-year dictatorship, she said, No country has done more for democracy in Egypt than the U.S. Mubarak for years was praised as an “ally,” a “partner” and a “moderate” and his regime was a force for “stability.” Washington backed him to the hilt to the tune of billions of dollars of taxpayer money, much like the Shah, Marcos, Suharto, Ben Ali, et al, until they too were overthrown. The media rarely report on these issues. And politicians and a mostly obedient intellectual class provide the necessary illusions to lull people to sleep. What many rulers fear is real democracy.
Speaker(s):
Noam Chomsky
Noam Chomsky, legendary MIT professor, has been a leading voice for peace and social justice for more than 40 years. Edward Said called him, “one of the most significant challengers of unjust power and delusions; he goes against every assumption about American altruism and humanitarianism.” He is the author of scores of books, including How The World Works and Power Systems, both with David Barsamian.
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