The theory of deliberative democracy follows the model of the discourse of the university wherein knowledge ostensibly speaks for itself even as the deliberations or interventions of those actualy participating in contemporary democratic politics conform to the discourse of the hysteric and the pervert. Political antagonists may speak the same language, but they speak it in diferent ways, from difering positions of enunciation, to difering symbolic and imaginary others, and within difering discursive formation�. Insofar as democratic theory ignores these diferences and conforms to the discourse of the university; it fails to confront the current political impasse, disavowing its own underlying suppositions of power and authority and, as detailed in chapter 6, the changed conditions of credibility wherein such authority has already collapsed .
Invoking Democracy
Democracy as a radical ideal was invoked by a sign posted in 'a cofee shop in Trumansburg, New York, in early 2005. The sign urged people to "take back democracy:' It advertised the showing of a film about AlJazeera, The Control Room, and called upon people to come inform themselves, discuss the film, and, presumably; organize future actions. President George W.
So
THREE