There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
Virtually all informed observers agree that a fair and equitable resolution of the plight of the Palestinians would considerably weaken the anger and hatred of Israel and the US in the Arab and Muslim worlds - and far beyond, as international polls reveal. Such an agreement is surely within reach, if the US and Israel depart from their long-standing rejectionism.
Interpretation
A just resolution for Palestinians could reduce hostility towards the US and Israel.
Noam Chomsky suggests that addressing the grievances of the Palestinians in a fair manner could significantly decrease the widespread anger directed at Israel and the United States within the Arab and Muslim communities, as well as on a global scale. He emphasizes that this achievable resolution requires a departure from the longstanding rejectionist policies of the US and Israel, and highlights the potential for improved relations if these issues are resolved.
In practice
During a debate on Middle Eastern politics, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of fair negotiations.
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.
Democracy, to maintain itself, must repeatedly conquer every cell and corner of the nation. How many of our public institutions and private businesses, our schools, hospitals, and domestic hearths are in reality little fascist states where freedom of speech is more rigorously excluded than vermin?
When you've spent half your political life dealing with humdrum issues like the environment, it's exciting to have a real crisis on your hands.
Freedom and the power to choose should not be the privilege of wealth. They are the birthright of every American.
REVOLUTION, n. In politics, an abrupt change in the form of misgovernment. . . . the substitution of the rule of an Administration for that of a Ministry, whereby the welfare and happiness of the people were advanced a full half-inch.
The people are responsible for the character of their Congress.
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.
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