Abstract
For well over thirty years, Michael Parenti has been a leading figure on the U.S. Left, providing incisive commentary on many of the very issues that now loom largest in the contemporary political landscape - including American imperialism, terrorism, the ideological distortions of the corporate media, and the corrosive influence of wealth and elite power upon popular democracy. A prolific author, a charismatic speaker, and a regular guest on radio and television talk shows, Parenti communicates his message in an accessible, provocative, and historically informed style that is unrivaled among fellow progressive activists and thinkers. He is the author of 17 books, including Democracy for the Few, 7th edition, 2001, To Kill a Nation, 2001, Blackshirts and Reds, 1997, and Against Empire, 1995. His most recent book, The Assassination of Julius Caesar: a People's History of Ancient Rome, 2003, was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in October of 2003.
In November, 2003, Parenti delivered an extremely well-received keynote address to a packed house at the Parkland Institute's seventh annual fall conference, Challenging Empire: Citizenship, Sovereignties and Self-Determination.
The Parkland Institute plans to make available a video of Michael Parenti's keynote address. Please contact them directly at parkland@ualberta.ca to order a copy.