Cornel West - "Democracy Matters Are Frightening in Our Time"

Democracy matters are frightening in our time precisely because of the three dominant dogmas of free-market fundamentalism, aggressive militarism, and escalating authoritarianism are snuffing out the democratic impulses that are so vital for the deepening and spread of democracy in the world. In short, we are experiencing the sad American imperial devouring of American democracy. This historic devouring in our time constitutes an unprecedented gangsterization of America - an unbridled grasp at power, wealth and status. And when the most powerful forces in a society - and an empire - promote a suffocation of democratic energies, the very future of genuine democracy is jeopardized.

How ironic that 9/11 - a vicious attack on innocent civilians by gangsters - becomes the historic occasion for the full-scale gangsterization of America. Do we now live in a postdemocratic age in which the very "democratic" rhetoric of an imperial America hides the waning of a democratic America? Are there enough democratic energies here and abroad to fight for and win back our democracy given the undeniable power of the three dominant dogmas that fuel imperial America? Or will the American empire go the way of the Leviathnans of the past - the Roman, Ottoman, Soviet, and British empires? Can any empire resist the temptation to become drunk with the wine of world power or become intoxicated with the hubris and greed of imperial possibilities? Had not every major empire pursued quixotic dreams of global domination - of shaping the world in its image and for its interest - that resulted in internal decay and doom? Can we committed democrats avert this world - historical pattern and possible fate?

Our fundamental test may lie in our continuing response to 9/11.

-pg. 7-8 of Democracy Matters: Winning the Fight Against Imperialism by Dr. Cornel West

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