“Placing a cross under the flag is the most idolatrous thing you can do.” – Dr. Cornel West, Reed College

I can say nothing more than my life has been forever changed in shaking this man’s hand and listening to his words in person.  Do yourselves a favor and read what you can by Dr. West, especially his latest book, Democracy Matters.

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.

Within Dr. West is the salvation of our democracy.