The politics of deceit : saving freedom and democracy from extinction / Glenn W. Smith.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Smith, Glenn, 1953-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Political participation.

Psychological aspects.

Manipulative behavior.

United States--Politics and government--2001-2009.

United States.

Politics and government.

Political culture--United States.

Political culture.

Manipulative behavior--United States.

Mass media--Political aspects--United States.

Mass media.

Mass media--Political aspects.

Political participation--United States--Psychological aspects.

Political psychology.

Physical Description:

x, 246 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Hoboken, N.J. : Wiley, [2004]

Summary:

Today, Americans face a tyranny built upon contemporary political practices that devalue personal and communal responsibility as well as overall participation in the political process. Life-and-death political discussions and decisions are now limited to a virtual world of illusion and coercion. No politician has so cynically wielded these manipulative political practices as has George W. Bush. In The Politics of Deceit, political insider Glenn Smith reveals why our political customs threaten democracy and freedom with extinction, and illustrates how we can ultimately fix these problems. Among the most hopeful developments is the cultivation of new interactive media, including the successful efforts of MoveOn.org and other online groups. Smith skillfully argues that our shrugging acceptance of the politics of manipulation doesn't mean our political practices are right or just. Their very structure lends advantage to politicians like George W. Bush, who would mislead rather than lead, and who believe their own power is more important than the health of democracy.

This thought-provoking book digs deep to raise questions that others are afraid to ask, and shatters the two-way mirror that separates "we the people" from the democratic institutions and mechanisms of power that are supposed to serve our interests, not the interests of those in power. You'll become familiar with important issues that can and will affect your life. Through anecdotes from history and contemporary politics, The Politics of Deceit offers realistic recommendations for a democratic renewal. You'll receive an insider's view of what must be done to protect the future of liberty, including the reversal of numerous political practices such as the power of money over debate in the public sphere, and the disproportionate amount of spending on advertising over grass-roots recruitment and public discourse. Democracy and freedom cannot survive if we continue to accept our current political situation. Nothing short of a revolution in the way we practice politics in America will keep freedom and democracy from disappearing behind the two-way mirror of our self-absorbed, vain, and impoverished political habits. The Politics of Deceit will open citizens' eyes to the ways they are being manipulated, and point to ways every American can participate and make a difference in a renewed democracy.

Contents:

Introduction

The madness of King George III and our contemporary political dilemma

Freedom

Shaking Bugs Bunny's hand at Disneyland : democracy will not be televised

Dead pope music : the press and American politics

The threatened habitats of democracy

Lantern bearing and the American covenant tradition

The other superpower : the Internet's new "interactivists" and the public sphere

Shooting elephants : the language of politics

Freedom and religion : the visions of Jacob and Orestes

In America.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 229-237) and index.

ISBN:

0471667633

OCLC:

54906960

Online:

Contributor biographical information

Publisher description