There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
In February 2004, the two traditional torturers of Haiti - France and the United States - combined to back a military coup and send President Aristide off to Africa. The U.S. denies him permission to return to the entire region.
Interpretation
This quote criticizes the involvement of France and the U.S. in the ousting of Haitian President Aristide, highlighting foreign interference in local politics.
Noam Chomsky points to the historical complicity of foreign powers, specifically France and the United States, in undermining Haitian sovereignty through their support of a military coup against President Aristide in 2004. This reflects a broader critique of imperialist actions that prioritize political objectives over the will and welfare of the local populace, often leading to detrimental consequences for the affected nations.
In practice
In a discussion about foreign policy at a university seminar.
There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
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.
Marxists get up early to further their cause. We must get up even earlier to defend our freedom.
Tax policy should reflect a country's values and address its problems.
Despite the present, temporary interests that Israel has in common with France and Britain, you ought not to forget that the strength of Israel and her future are bound up with the United States.
The problem is not that the U.S. economy won't be able to take care of its citizens - it is that taking away benefits, creating intergenerational warfare, and scapegoating will make for very difficult and bad politics. This is a tragedy that we can see coming. Early action would be relatively painless.
Republicans and others who are in anguish over the possibility of socialized medicine ought to have to explain their ideology to a mother with a sick newborn. They ought to have to explain how this nation can debate health care and not mention how abysmal ours is.
Party honesty is party expediency.
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