David Barsamian on "Another World Is Possible: People Power in the Age of Empire

Another world is not only possible but absolutely necessary. People have power but can exercise it most effectively when it is organized and collective. It's relatively easy for the state and big business to pick off and neutralize freelancers and lone operatives. It's when a movement forms that the state and the corporations can be challenged. Citizens in privileged societies like the US often complain that they feel helpless and can't do anything to shake the power structure. It's an odd complaint given the advantages most Americans have and poses a sharp contrast with other countries. With few resources, citizens in impoverished East Timor, Nicaragua, Haiti and India have risen and resisted oppression and overthrown tyrannies. Latin America today in particular demonstrates the power of people to imagine and create alternatives. But in the land of the free? "Well, I'm kind of busy. Any beer in the fridge? What's on TV tonight?" The tonic for apathy? Get involved. Get active. Seize the time!

David Barsamian is the founder and director of Alternative Radio, who have just celebrated their 20th Anniversary with events featuring Howard Zinn and the Kronos Quartet, as well as with Robert Fisk. Barsamian is also the author of many books, including the brand new "Imperial Ambitions," conversations with Noam Chomsky, and "Speaking of Empire and Resistance" with Tariq Ali.

Co-Sponsored by Media Alliance (http://www.media-alliance.org) and New College Media Studies MA Program.

$5 at the door.