Capitalism
Discussions about democracy probably started in Athens about 2500 years ago. A truism is that society is democratic to the extent that its citizens play a meaningful role in managing public affairs. 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 of war, for universal single-payer health care, to protect the environment, and 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.
Recorded at the University of Colorado.
Speaker
Michael Parenti
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, and Against Empire. He passed away on January 24, 2026, at the age of 92.
Questioning the Unquestionable
“It is not demanded of readers that they embrace my views, but that they reflect upon their own. How seldom we bother to explore in some critical fashion the fundamental preconceptions that shape our understanding of social and political life. How frequently, as if by reflex rather than reflection, we respond to certain cues and incantations, resisting any incongruous notion. Our opinions shelter and support us; it is an excruciating effort to submit them to reappraisal. Yet if we are to maintain some pretense at being rational creatures, we must risk the discomfiture that comes with questioning the unquestionable, and try to transcend our tendencies toward mental confinement.” – Michael Parenti
WashState Listener –
Michael Parenti’s passing. I just needed someone along with many to share my grief with. The one time I met him was a joy. It must have been wonderful for you to have shared so much. Thank you for amplifying his voice, and so many others’. 🕊️
John in Toronto –
I enjoyed Michael Parenti’s Reagan-era reality check on capitalism. It hasn’t lost anything and continues to be a wake-up call. His use of humour and casual style reminds me of Howard Zinn.
Hans Modlich, Canada’s New Democratic Party Delegate –
Has it taken 42 years of sleepwalking for us to finally really that we now live in ORWELL’s 1984?
This lecture is vital for understanding WHY CAPITALISM CAN’T BE FIXED. Parenti RIP surely would NOT object if you David Barsamian, put up a FREE websiteLINK to it!!!
Alexandra Lincoln –
This needs to be printed and air dropped into every city and town in America! RIP and thank you, Michael Parenti. And thanks to WERU for broadcasting!
Elaine –
Amazing, well presented perspective! I was a tenured professor at Brown for 18 years and can see where some of these ideas may have originated, since Parenti is a Brown grad. Although this is from 1984, it rings more than true today. Thank you Barsamian and AR for letting us hear it again.
Clark Topper –
Absolutely excellent speech. It is as relevant today as it was in 1984. Ronald Reagan was president in 1984. We are blessed with Trump. That was a joke, people!
I think it should have been called “Capitalism.” I wish he would give an AR talk on socialism.
Bruce K –
Just heard this again on KALW and had to make an effort to review it. This is a very enlightening reminder of what is going on in our lives, that controls almost everything we do, and leaves us with less control over our lives and society than ever before. The United States is backing itself into a tyranny just as fast as it can get us to forget any aspirations of being free men. Listen to it. Listen to it again. Get others to listen to it, before we all forget what is really happening here.
Mark –
I just heard much of this on the radio and need to hear the rest. A wonderful presentation of the human path and interaction with capitalism, contrasting the reality Vs the false perceptions promulgated by … who else but the capitalists themselves. A great introduction and a worth while listen even for veterans of the vanguard.