David Brooks’ recent Op-Ed is a flaccid and flailing attempt to denigrate democracy without denigrating democracy. The ghost of Eddie Bernays’ circular sophistry permeates this snoot-fest like a cheap uninterrogated suit. We recall Mr. Ed in one of his more breathtaking loopty-loops:
“The conscious and intelligent manipulation of the organized habits and opinions of the masses is an important element in democratic society.”–from Propaganda
The impudence!
Brooks is no Lippmann. If this is the best they’ve got in the centennial run-up to Public Opinion, then NASCAR Nation might be in the driver’s seat, even in the battle of ideas. Scary much? My…