There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Democracy was regarded as entering into a crisis in the 1960s. The crisis was that large segments of the population were becoming organized and active and trying to participate in the political arena.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the challenges democracy faced in the 1960s due to increased civic participation and activism.
Noam Chomsky's quote reflects on a significant era in which democracy was perceived to be in a state of crisis as numerous citizens began to mobilize and engage in the political process. This surge in organization and activism from various segments of the population indicated a shift towards more inclusive participation, yet also raised concerns among traditional power structures about maintaining control and governance.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on social movements, one might say, 'As Noam Chomsky pointed out, the 1960s marked a pivotal moment when democracy faced a crisis due to organizational activism.'
More from Noam Chomsky
All quotes →The 'free-floating intellectual' may occupy himself with problems because of their inherent interest and importance, perhaps to little effect.
If you're teaching today what you were teaching five years ago, either the field is dead or you are.
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.
The Republican Party has become overwhelmingly so extreme that it's hardly a traditional political party anymore.
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.
Similar quotes
Once the coffers of the federal government are opened to the public, there will be no shutting them again.
Communism didn't fall. It was pushed.
It is hard to feel individually responsible with respect to the invisible processes of a huge and distant government.
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.
Politics ought to be the part-time profession of every citizen who would protect the rights and privileges of free people and who would preserve what is good and fruitful in our national heritage.
The faces and the tactics of the leaders may change every four years, or two, or one, but the people go on forever.