There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
The money in politics is a cash cow for the media.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that financial interests in politics benefit the media significantly.
Noam Chomsky's quote reflects the idea that financial contributions and monetary interests in political processes serve as a lucrative opportunity for media organizations, effectively making politics a source of revenue. This highlights the intertwining of media and politics, where the media can profit from the political landscape due to the financial transactions occurring within it, often prioritizing sensationalism and coverage that attract viewers and advertisers over critical journalism.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about media bias, one could reference Chomsky's quote to highlight how financial interests can influence news coverage.
More from Noam Chomsky
All quotes βThe '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.
Similar quotes
Freedom isn't free. It shouldn't be a bragging point that 'Oh, I don't get involved in politics,' as if that makes someone cleaner. No, that makes you derelict of duty in a republic. Liars and panderers in government would have a much harder time of it if so many people didn't insist on their right to remain ignorant and blindly agreeable.
Everything would be alright if everything was put back in the hands of the people, and we're going to have to put it back in the hands of the people.
Political writing in our time consists almost entirely of prefabricated phrases bolted together like the pieces of a child's Meccano set. It is the unavoidable result of self-censorship. To write in plain, vigorous language one has to think fearlessly, and if one thinks fearlessly one cannot be politically orthodox.
No state should be allowed to profess partnership with the global coalition against terror, while continuing to aid, abet and sponsor terrorism.
A rigid economy of the public contributions and absolute interdiction of all useless expenses will go far towards keeping the government honest and unoppressive.
Iran has to live up to its international obligations. . . . The president has said that our patience is not unlimited.