"Noam Chomsky on Health Care--Why has reform taken so LONG" (with video)

Danny Schecter (News Dissector Blog), with video (07:24):

Chomsky’s speech focused on what James Madison called The Democratic Deficit, the notion that democracy couldn’t be allowed to go too far because the rabble, i.e., the people would want to have or redistribute the property of the upper classes. He spoke about a a debate in democratic theory from the days of Aristotle to the present around how to contain and limit democracy so as to have its form but not its content. Example: only allow voting between already selected candidates.

He talked about the manufacturing of consent, the rise of public relations, the power of lobbyists and special interests who in turn manipulate political debate and assure that people’s hopes will never be realized

He then applied this framework to the Obama Administration arguing that he was elected by running an effective campaign that substituted slogans and his own personal appeal and narrative for any real discussion of issues. The campaign won awards for its effective and persuasive appeal. It turned Obama into a Brand. What was not really explored was the big money behind him and the interests that are piling on and assuring he does not go too far.

He referenced two issues — health care and financial reform, noting that he has been thrown on the defensive and unlikely to prevail as the vested interests keep Congress in check with checks—and powerful lobbyists. The message was really about popular illusions and power with the later prevailing.

Howie P.S.: Read Schecter's reporting of the full speech and the Portland (OR) conference where it was delivered here.