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Posts Tagged ‘democracy’

“Multitude” by Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri is a follow-up to the author’s widely-acclaimed “Empire”. In “Multitude”, Hardt and Negri discuss change and the possibility of global democracy, which they define as “the rule of everyone by everyone”. The book offers a unique vision of how such a future might be developing around us and futher rewards its readers with numerous insights and top-notch analysis in a highly readable text.

“Multitude” appears to have been written in part as a response to the criticisms of “Empire” as presented in the excellent book, “Empire’s New Clothes: Reading Hardt and Negri” edited by Passavant and Dean. For example, “Multitude” takes a slightly different approach to the themes of U.S. exceptionalism, network power structures, violence and the politics of identity; all of these topics were critiqued at length in “Empire’s New Clothes”. Consequently, it appears that Hardt and Negri may have profited from this dialogue and it may also explain why “Multitude” is a more substantive and less theoretical book than “Empire”.

Section One of “Multitude” is entitled “War”. Hardt and Negri discuss the perpetual state of war as a means to maintain the capitalist world order and social hierarchy. Interestingly, the authors show how insurgencies and counterinsurgencies have both taken on the characteristics of flexible, postmodern production networks. Importantly, the anti-globalization movement is lauded as an example of how such decentralized and distributed networks can support an “absolutely democratic organization” whose emerging strength might yet constitute the “most powerful weapon against the ruling power structure.”

Section Two is about “Multitude”. The multitude is both plural and multiple, wherein people maintain their individualities but act based on common interests. Hardt and Negri posit that global production is made possible by “the commons” of language and communications and information networks. Patents, licenses and other too
Multitude War and Democracy

“Purchasing the hard-cover edition of Twilight couldn’t have been easier. Amazon worked like a fairy godmother in having exactly what I needed, at a terrific price, and the “icing on the top” was the super efficient and speedy delivery. My beloved daughter had loaned out her series of books to everyone in the family without a qualm – only feeling badly because she had never been able to find the first book in hard cover. As a giant thank you to her, I purchased this copy for her collection, and to say she was thrilled is a massive understatement. Thanks, Amazon, you are truly Amazing!”
Democracy and the Arts

I almost didn’t make it to the end… the descriptions of animal cruelty and lack of human compassion were almost too much for me at times. I am, however so glad that I finished this book…what a turn of events! The characters in this book (humans and animals alike) are ones you will not soon forget! Be prepared for a roller coaster ride of emotions and an ending that will leave you shocked and smiling!
Business and Democracy in

Artemis Fowl, by Eoin Colfer is a definite must read fantasy that I would recommend to kids ages 10 and up. The story starts off in Ho Chi Minh City. Artemis Fowl and his bodyguard, Butler, are meeting a man who supposedly is going to take them to see a fairy. They meet a fairy who has lost all her magic due rice wine. Artemis tricks her and gets The Book in exchange for her life. The Book is a special book that holds all the fairy’s secrets including how they get their magic. At the same time Captain Holly Short a LEPrecon (Lower Elements Police) officer, is on a special mission to defend the humans from a deadly troll. Although what she doesn’t know is that she is about to be captured by… Artemis Fowl!
Artemis Fowl is unlike any other any other twelve year old boy. He is completely ghost pale with dark hair. The sinister look in his eye is enough to send shivers down the toughest man’s spines. He’s determined to become a master thief and carry on the Fowl legacy. Artemis is an ultimate genius and is always one step ahead. He’s quick on improvising and very daring. He also feels as well as acts superior, therefore he doesn’t treat most people with respect. The only friend he has is his bodyguard, Butler. Artemis speaks with an incredible adult-sounding vocabulary, and doesn’t show many feelings, except for the times that he is torn because his mother is losing her mind ever since his father mysteriously disappeared. As you can tell, Artemis Fowl is absolutely no ordinary twelve year old boy.
Artemis Fowl is about to put his knowledge to the test as he takes on the fairies in a fast-paced marvelous read that will keep you reading to the end, and then have you begging for more of Artemis Fowl!
Democracy in America Volume