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 many terrorist states in the world, but the United States is unusual in that it is officially committed to international terrorism.
Interpretation
Chomsky critiques the United States' role in global violence and terrorism.
In this quote, Noam Chomsky suggests that while many nations engage in acts that can be classified as terrorism, the United States stands out because it not only partakes in such actions but also aligns its foreign policy in a way that supports these actions. This statement challenges the perception of the U.S. as a promoter of peace and democracy, highlighting the contradiction between its self-image and its interventionist practices on the international stage.
In practice
In a political debate about military intervention, this quote can illustrate the hypocrisy in foreign policy.
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.
Authorities that erect major obstacles to migration - or place severe restrictions on migrants' work opportunities - inflict needless economic self-harm, as they impose barriers to having their labor needs met in an orderly, legal fashion. Worse still, they unintentionally encourage illegal migration.
All politics takes place on a slippery slope. The most important four words in politics are up to a point.
Inverted totalitarianism, unlike classical totalitarianism, does not revolve around a demagogue or charismatic leader. It finds expression in the anonymity of the Corporate State. It purports to cherish democracy, patriotism, and the Constitution while manipulating internal levers.
Seventy years after China emerged from the Second World War, the greatest threat facing the nation's leadership is not imperialism but skepticism.
A typical vice of American politics is the avoidance of saying anything real on real issues.
We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.
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