There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
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
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.
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.
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An informed citizenry is at the heart of a dynamic democracy.