The Wish for Kings: Democracy at Bay

In this erudite polemic, Harper's editor Lapham charges that the United States is run by a selfish oligarchy, a ruling elite that preaches democracy and a free market but that actually makes the economy dependent on systematic price-fixing, noncompetitive bidding and federal subsidies. In place of democratic dialogue, the oligarchy promotes the ``courtier spirit.'' Courtiers--lawyers, politicians, celebrities, corporate brass--promulgate ``welcome lies'' and sustain the illusion of progress while helping to maintain the status quo. Lapham ( Money and Class in America ) blasts a ``timid and reactionary'' news media, which poses as watchdog but acts as lapdog to the ruling and possessing classes. He finds the courtier spirit ascendant in Washington patronage and waste. In a forceful, cautionary book, Lapham characterizes President Clinton as a potential mandarin who could fulfill America's ``wish for kings,'' fostering the illusion of change while relieving the populace of the hard work of democratic participation. (June)