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 few genuine conservatives within the U.S. political system, and it is a sign of the intellectual corruption of the age that the honorable term 'conservatism' can be appropriated to disguise the advocacy of a powerful, lawless, aggressive and violent state, a welfare state for the rich dedicated to a lunatic form of Keynesian economic intervention that enhances state and private power while mortgaging the country's future.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Chomsky critiques the misappropriation of conservatism in modern politics, highlighting its divergence from its original principles.
In this quote, Noam Chomsky expresses his concern about the current state of conservatism within the U.S. political landscape. He argues that the term 'conservatism' has been co-opted by those advocating for a powerful and aggressive government that primarily benefits the wealthy through welfare policies, while simultaneously undermining the country's future. This reflects a broader intellectual decline, where true conservative values are obscured by the actions of those in power.
Themes
ConservatismPoliticsState PowerEconomic InterventionIntellectual Corruption
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a political debate to illustrate the dangers of modern conservatism.
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
The short memories of the American voters is what keeps our politicians in office.
Will RogersRead
The inability or unwillingness of citizens to differentiate between fake and authentic news is undermining a fundamental assumption of democracy: the informed voter.
Richard EdelmanRead
It is not true that Congress spends money like a drunken sailor. Drunken sailors spend their own money. Congress spends our money.
Arthur LafferRead
We need to get beyond the politics of the moment, the deficit of the hour, the military count of the day, the numbers that rarely shape events. Our long-term interests must be in people and in the values of democracy and individual liberty.
Bill BradleyRead
You know, there is a long tradition in the U.S. of, um, promoting elections up to the point that you get an outcome you don't like. Look at Latin America in the Cold War.
Samantha PowerRead
One day after laying a wreath at the tomb of Martin Luther King Jr., President Bush appoints a federal judge who has built his career around dismantling Dr. King's legacy.
Hillary ClintonRead