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Rebecca Blood (via dangerousmeta) directs us to an excerpt from Cornel West’s upcoming book, Democracy Matters. In it, he writes:

Democracy matters are frightening in our time precisely because 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.

West refers to the sleep walking U.S. citizenry, upon which the imperial vision and policy is being imposed. As educators, we have what Giroux calls a ‘civic mission’ to foster critical minds capable of sustaining a healthy democracy. We need to design and promote learning environments that help cultivate critical consciousness with a political orientation. Crucial, though, to our success is finding ways of linking learning with action. We must apply what we are learning in society and, in tandem, learn by taking part in society. If true democracy is the type of society in which we wish to live, we cannot afford to forsake that connection.

Update: Joe Trippi’s new book, The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, is sure to have some insights into internet-based grassroots attempts at political change. via Robert Patterson
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