There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
One of the best predictors of policy around is Thomas Ferguson's investment theory of politics, as he calls it - very outstanding political economist - which essentially - I mean, to say it in a sentence, he describes elections as occasions in which groups of investors coalesce and invest to control the state.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the influence of financial backers in shaping electoral politics.
Noam Chomsky highlights the idea that elections are not merely democratic processes, but rather complex interactions where investors band together to exert control over political power. This perspective unveils the underlying economic interests that often dictate political decisions, suggesting that the state is influenced more by capital than by public will.
Themes
PoliticsInvestorsElectionsPowerControl
In practice
Example use cases
During a political debate, one might reference this quote to discuss the influence of money in politics.
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.
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
Memory isn't a theme; it's part of the human condition.
Hilary MantelRead
The more a book is like an opium pipe, the more the Chinaman reader is satisfied with it and tends to discuss the quality of the drug rather than its lethargic effects.
Julio CortazarRead
Nothing short of self-respect and that justice which is essential to a national character ought to involve us in war.
George WashingtonRead
From the very depth of my being, I challenge the right of any man or any group of men, in business or in government, to tell a fellow human being that he or she is expendable.
Jimmy ReidRead
Liars share with those they deceive the desire not to be deceived.
Sissela BokRead
There is a daily discussion with our servants about the price of food and the number of loaves: a conference with our presbyters to consider the sins of our people is a very rare occurrence.
Saint BernardRead