There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
The dangers of unexamined and unregulated monopoly power, particularly in the state executive, are hardly news. The right reaction is not passive acquiescence.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Monopoly power can be dangerous and requires active scrutiny and opposition rather than passive acceptance.
Noam Chomsky emphasizes the risks associated with unchecked monopoly power, especially within government entities. He warns against the complacency that often allows such power to go unchallenged, advocating instead for active dissent and critical examination of those in authority to ensure that they do not abuse their power.
Themes
MonopolyPowerGovernmentScrutinyDissent
In practice
Example use cases
During a political rally, one might quote Chomsky to emphasize the importance of holding politicians accountable.
More from Noam Chomsky
All quotes βThe 'free-floating intellectual' may occupy himself with problems because of their inherent interest and importance, perhaps to little effect.
Noam ChomskyRead
If you're teaching today what you were teaching five years ago, either the field is dead or you are.
Noam ChomskyRead
There are very few people who are going to look into the mirror and say, 'That person I see is a savage monster;' instead, they make up some construction that justifies what they do.
Noam ChomskyRead
The Republican Party has become overwhelmingly so extreme that it's hardly a traditional political party anymore.
Noam ChomskyRead
There is still much debate about whether torture has been effective in eliciting information - the assumption being, apparently, that if it is effective, then it may be justified.
Noam ChomskyRead
Similar quotes
Dr Urbino did not agree: in his opinion a Liberal president was exactly the same as a Conservative president, but not as well dressed.
Gabriel Garcia MarquezRead
A ballot is like a bullet. You don't throw your ballots until you see a target, and if that target is not within your reach, keep your ballot in your pocket.
Malcolm XRead
We support the security of both Israel and her neighbors.
John F. KennedyRead
The "progressives" who today masquerade as "liberals" may rant against "fascism"; yet it is their policy that paves the way for Hitlerism. Nothing could have been more helpful to the success of the National-Socialist (Nazi) movement than the methods used by the "progressives," denouncing Nazism as a party serving the interests of "capital." The German workers knew this tactic too well to be deceived by it again.
Ludwig Von MisesRead
One must beware of ministers who can do nothing without money, and those who want to do everything with money.
Indira GandhiRead
Political figures who talk a lot about liberty and freedom invariably turn out to mean the freedom to not pay taxes and discriminate based on race; freedom to hold different ideas and express them, not so much.
Paul KrugmanRead