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 invasion of Iraq, particularly, gave a big shot in the arm to the jihadi extremists.
Interpretation
The Iraq invasion fueled the motivation and growth of extremist groups.
Noam Chomsky's quote suggests that the invasion of Iraq had unintended consequences, notably strengthening the position and recruitment capabilities of jihadi extremists. This reflects the complex and often counterproductive nature of military interventions, where actions taken in the name of peace or security can ironically create more instability and violence.
In practice
During a debate on the impacts of foreign policy decisions on terrorism.
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.
None of this is fair to you. And should it continue, it will make it more difficult to keep attracting the kind of driven, patriotic, idealist Americans to public service that our citizens deserved and that our system of self-government demands.
I was surprised by the response of young people because there is a perception that those younger than the 1988 generation are not interested in politics.
But I can tell you what I believe: When tens of thousands of innocent souls have perished in Darfur-when 11 million children are without health insurance-when our colossal debt subjects our economic future to the whims of Asian bankers-no one can tell me that faith demands this Senate spend its time arguing over a handful of judges. No one with those priorities can use my faith to intimidate me.
Having excessive power in the hands of one country meant the fate of the world was too dependent on what happened in that one country.
Whether they be young in spirit, or young in age, the members of the Democratic Party must never lose that youthful zest for new ideas and for a better world, which has made us great.
Marxists get up early to further their cause. We must get up even earlier to defend our freedom.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.