The politics of deceit : saving freedom and democracy from extinction

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Title:

The politics of deceit : saving freedom and democracy from extinction

Author:

Smith, Glenn W., 1953-

ISBN:

9780471667636

Personal Author:

Smith, Glenn W., 1953-

Publication Information:

Hoboken, N.J. : John Wiley, c2004.

Physical Description:

x, 246 p. ; 24 cm.

Contents:

1. The madness of King George III and our contemporary political dilemma -- 2. Freedom -- 3. Shaking Bugs Bunny's hand to Disneyland : democracy will not be televised -- 4. Dead pope music : the press and American politics -- 5. The threatened habitats of democracy -- 6. Lantern bearing and the American covenant tradition -- 7. The other superpower : the Internet's new "interactivists" and the public sphere -- 8. Shooting elephants : the language of politics -- 9. Freedom and religion : the visions of Jacob and Orestes -- 10. In America.

Abstract:

"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 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."

Subject Term:

Political culture -- United States.

Manipulative behavior -- United States.

Mass media -- Political aspects -- United States.

Political participation -- United States -- Psychological aspects.

Political psychology.

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

Electronic Access:

Contributor biographical information http://www.loc.gov/catdir/bios/wiley047/2004007666.html
Publisher description http://www.loc.gov/catdir/description/wiley041/2004007666.html
Table of contents http://www.loc.gov/catdir/toc/ecip0416/2004007666.html

Copies:

Available:*

Library	Material Type	Item Barcode	Shelf Number	Copy	Status
Searching... 1:IIEMSA	1:GEN-BOOK	33168025487337	306.20973 S648P 2004	1	Searching... Unknown

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Summary

A compelling indictment of the Bush Administration's cynical, anti-democratic manipulation of the media
In this devastating analysis of American politics today, a former Democratic campaign advisor pulls back the curtain on the pervasive political manipulation of the media-and reveals just how fragile our democracy is. From political ads and talk shows to mainstream media reporting, Glenn Smith shows how American political discourse is now dominated by carefully scripted images and rhetoric-most of which benefit the Republicans and their corporate allies. The result is public apathy toward politics-and a real threat to American freedom.
To reclaim our nation, Smith argues, we must revitalize politics at the grassroots level-and liberals must realize that religion and spirituality are not antithetical to a progressive agenda. For anyone troubled by manipulative political advertising, self-aggrandizing celebrity pundits, and the undiminished role of money in politics, this necessary book lays out the full scope of the problem-and points the way toward solutions.
Glenn Smith (Austin, TX), a former journalist and political consultant, managed MoveOn.org's Defending Democracy Campaign. He is currently managing DriveDemocracy.org, a spin-off of MoveOn, and a consultant to the Rockridge Institute, a progressive think tank.