"The 20th century has been characterized by three developments of great political importance: The growth of democracy, the growth of corporate power, and the growth of corporate propaganda as a means of protecting corporate power against democracy." Alex Carey [see Democracy after Citizens United | MIT World ]
When I started working in corporate America, there was a sense of respect for all, employees were respected for their work and for their contributions. It wasn't heaven but it also wasn't the dog eat dog corporatism of today that sees money and profits above people, and even above the nation. Money is gawd today and getting more in our Madoff et al world is considered normal. It is as if all the things religions and morality taught about temptations came true, with the twist that now they are the good things to do? Free enterprise replaced respect. How'd that happen? The links and books give some reasons. See: Taming the Savage Market
"Corporate propaganda directed outwards, that is, to the public at large, has two main objectives: to identify the free enterprise system in popular consciousness with every cherished value, and to identify interventionist governments and strong unions (the only agencies capable of checking a complete domination of society by corporations) with tyranny, oppression and even subversion. The techniques used to achieve these results are variously called 'public relations', 'corporate communications' and 'economic education'." Alex Carey 'Taking the Risk out of Democracy'
"Something is profoundly wrong with the way we live today. For thirty years we have made a virtue out of the pursuit of material self-interest: indeed, this very pursuit now constitutes whatever remains of our sense of collective purpose. We know what things cost but have no idea what they are worth. We no longer ask of a judicial ruling or a legislative act: is it good? Is it fair? Is it just? Is it right? Will it help bring about a better society or a better world? Those used to be the political questions, even if they invited no easy answers. We must learn once again to pose them." Tony Judt 'Ill Fares the Land'
When I started working in corporate America, there was a sense of respect for all, employees were respected for their work and for their contributions. It wasn't heaven but it also wasn't the dog eat dog corporatism of today that sees money and profits above people, and even above the nation. Money is gawd today and getting more in our Madoff et al world is considered normal. It is as if all the things religions and morality taught about temptations came true, with the twist that now they are the good things to do? Free enterprise replaced respect. How'd that happen? The links and books give some reasons. See: Taming the Savage Market
"Corporate propaganda directed outwards, that is, to the public at large, has two main objectives: to identify the free enterprise system in popular consciousness with every cherished value, and to identify interventionist governments and strong unions (the only agencies capable of checking a complete domination of society by corporations) with tyranny, oppression and even subversion. The techniques used to achieve these results are variously called 'public relations', 'corporate communications' and 'economic education'." Alex Carey 'Taking the Risk out of Democracy'
"Something is profoundly wrong with the way we live today. For thirty years we have made a virtue out of the pursuit of material self-interest: indeed, this very pursuit now constitutes whatever remains of our sense of collective purpose. We know what things cost but have no idea what they are worth. We no longer ask of a judicial ruling or a legislative act: is it good? Is it fair? Is it just? Is it right? Will it help bring about a better society or a better world? Those used to be the political questions, even if they invited no easy answers. We must learn once again to pose them." Tony Judt 'Ill Fares the Land'
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