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 dangers of unexamined and unregulated monopoly power, particularly in the state executive, are hardly news. The right reaction is not passive acquiescence.
Interpretation
Monopoly power can be dangerous and requires active scrutiny and opposition rather than passive acceptance.
Noam Chomsky emphasizes the risks associated with unchecked monopoly power, especially within government entities. He warns against the complacency that often allows such power to go unchallenged, advocating instead for active dissent and critical examination of those in authority to ensure that they do not abuse their power.
In practice
During a political rally, one might quote Chomsky to emphasize the importance of holding politicians accountable.
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.
I still passionately support comprehensive immigration reform legislation with a path to full and equal citizenship.
You do not examine legislation in the light of the benefits it will convey if properly administered, but in the light of the wrongs it would do and the harms it would cause if improperly administered.
We will keep the promise of Social Security by taking the responsible steps to strengthen it - not by turning it over to Wall Street.
Where I think historians can help preserve and actually restore democracy is to remind us of how we got it.
There is no more independence in politics than there is in jail.
I wish I could say I was shocked at the reports the NSA is secretly spying on the private phone calls of millions of Verizon customers. However, this is a predictable result of a government that continues to erode our liberties while promising some glimmering hope of security.
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