There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
I mean, what's the elections? You know, two guys, same background, wealth, political influence, went to the same elite university, joined the same secret society where you're trained to be a ruler - they both can run because they're financed by the same corporate institutions.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques the similarity between political candidates and the influence of corporate financing in elections.
Noam Chomsky highlights the lack of genuine choice in elections, suggesting that candidates are often cut from the same cloth, sharing similar backgrounds and financial backers. This commentary underscores concerns about democracy, where political influence may be skewed by the interests of the wealthy and powerful rather than truly representing the people's will.
Themes
ElectionsPoliticsCorruptionCandidatesDemocracyInfluencePower
In practice
Example use cases
During a political debate, one could quote this to discuss the similarities between the candidates.
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.
Noam ChomskyRead
If you're teaching today what you were teaching five years ago, either the field is dead or you are.
Noam ChomskyRead
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.
Noam ChomskyRead
The Republican Party has become overwhelmingly so extreme that it's hardly a traditional political party anymore.
Noam ChomskyRead
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.
Noam ChomskyRead
Similar quotes
In whatever guise - our own daily nightmares of war, intolerance, inhumanity or the struggles of an Assistant Pig-Keeper against the Lord of Death - the problems are agonizingly familiar. And an openness to compassion, love, and mercy is as essential to us here and now as it is to any inhabitant of an imaginary kingdom.
Lloyd AlexanderRead
Night is a time of rigor, but also of mercy. There are truths which one can see only when it’s dark
Isaac Bashevis SingerRead
Collectivism answers: The power of society is unlimited. Society may make any laws it wishes, and force them upon anyone in any manner it wishes.
Ayn RandRead
When the first living thing existed, I was there waiting. When the last living thing dies, my job will be finished. I'll put the chairs on the tables, turn out the lights and lock the universe behind me when I leave.
Neil GaimanRead
Life has never been All or Nothing- it's All and Nothing. Forget the binaries.
Jeanette WintersonRead
The Church is called to draw near to every person, beginning with the poorest and those who suffer.
Pope FrancisRead