There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
There are many terrorist states in the world, but the United States is unusual in that it is officially committed to international terrorism.
Interpretation
Chomsky critiques the United States' role in global violence and terrorism.
In this quote, Noam Chomsky suggests that while many nations engage in acts that can be classified as terrorism, the United States stands out because it not only partakes in such actions but also aligns its foreign policy in a way that supports these actions. This statement challenges the perception of the U.S. as a promoter of peace and democracy, highlighting the contradiction between its self-image and its interventionist practices on the international stage.
In practice
In a political debate about military intervention, this quote can illustrate the hypocrisy in foreign policy.
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.
Abstention means you stayed at home or went to the beach. By casting a blank vote, you're saying you have a political conscience but you don't agree with any of the existing parties.
Much of political decision-making concentrates power in the hands of those already inside the circle, who tend to be men. Excluding women may not be the intention, but when they are not invited into the room where decisions are made, you can see how it happens.
Controversial disputes are a part of democratic culture.
Government has a habit of blaming the private sector for its own failings while taking credit for advances we in fact owe to the private sector.
Now and always, hard-line policy and those who embrace it are vessels for darker forces that are at once self-cannibalizing and combustible. No good can come of them. They are unsustainable because their sense of righteousness denies human worth.
Who do you think controls the Republican Party? Big money controls the Republican Party. This is where their campaign contributions come from.
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