There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
Romania, which had the worst dictator in Eastern Europe, Ceausescu, he was a darling of the West. The United States and Britain loved him. He was supported until the last minute.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the paradox of Western support for authoritarian regimes despite their oppressive actions.
Noam Chomsky's remark underscores the hypocrisy in Western nations' foreign policies, which often prioritize strategic alliances over human rights. Ceausescu's authoritarian regime in Romania was backed by powerful Western nations like the United States and Britain, illustrating how geopolitical interests can lead to the endorsement of leaders who engage in severe oppression, exhibiting a troubling relationship between power and morality in international relations.
In practice
In a political discussion about the consequences of supporting authoritarian regimes.
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.
Genuine politics -- even politics worthy of the name -- the only politics I am willing to devote myself to -- is simply a matter of serving those around us: serving the community and serving those who will come after us. Its deepest roots are moral because it is a responsibility expressed through action, to and for the whole.
Conservatives define themselves in terms of what they oppose.
The era of big government is over, but the era of big challenge is not. We need an era of big citizenship. There are many important people at this summit, but the most important title is 'citizen.' This is our republic. Let us keep it!
It's not because John McCain doesn't care. It's because John McCain doesn't get it.
The art of government is the organisation of idolatry.
To safeguard democracy the people must have a keen sense of independence, self-respect, and their oneness.
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