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 government of Israel doesn't like the kinds of things I say, which puts them into the same category as every other government in the world.
Interpretation
Chomsky suggests that all governments are resistant to criticism.
In this quote, Noam Chomsky expresses his observation that the Israeli government, like other governments around the world, reacts negatively to dissenting opinions and critiques. This highlights a broader truth about the nature of governmental authority and the common tendency of powerful institutions to be defensive against criticism, suggesting a universal trait among political entities regardless of their specific context or ideology.
In practice
This quote could be used in a speech about the importance of free speech.
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.
A properly functioning democracy depends on an informed electorate.
The Sudanese government has been playing games with the world, with the Africa Union, in particular, have been playing for time in order to conclude its mission of ethnic cleansing in the Sudan.
The whole basis of the United Nations is the right of all nations - great or small - to have weight, to have a vote, to be attended to, to be a part of the twentieth century.
The nine most terrifying words in the English language are "I'm from the government, and I'm here to help."
Senator McCarthy's reckless and unfounded attempt to impugn my loyalty is just one more example of his typical tactic of attempting to tie up to Communism anyone who disagrees with him.
Surely anyone who has ever been elected to public office understands that one commodity above all others, namely the trust and confidence of the people, is fundamental in maintaining a free and open political system.
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