There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
Virtually all informed observers agree that a fair and equitable resolution of the plight of the Palestinians would considerably weaken the anger and hatred of Israel and the US in the Arab and Muslim worlds - and far beyond, as international polls reveal. Such an agreement is surely within reach, if the US and Israel depart from their long-standing rejectionism.
Interpretation
A just resolution for Palestinians could reduce hostility towards the US and Israel.
Noam Chomsky suggests that addressing the grievances of the Palestinians in a fair manner could significantly decrease the widespread anger directed at Israel and the United States within the Arab and Muslim communities, as well as on a global scale. He emphasizes that this achievable resolution requires a departure from the longstanding rejectionist policies of the US and Israel, and highlights the potential for improved relations if these issues are resolved.
In practice
During a debate on Middle Eastern politics, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of fair negotiations.
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.
Conservatives say the government can't end poverty by force, but they believe it can use force to make people moral. Liberals say government can't make people be moral, but they believe it can end poverty. Neither group attempts to explain why government is so clumsy and destructive in one area but a paragon of efficiency and benevolence in the other.
REPRESENTATIVE, n. In national politics, a member of the Lower House in this world, and without discernible hope of promotion in the next.
You can't give the government the power to do good without also giving it the power to do bad - in fact, to do anything it wants.
Our tax policy is engineered by people who view tax as a means of achieving changes in our social structure.
A constitution, as important as it is, will mean nothing unless the people are yearning for liberty and freedom.
The proper role of government, however, is that of partner with the farmer -- never his master. By every possible means we must develop and promote that partnership -- to the end that agriculture may continue to be a sound, enduring foundation for our economy and that farm living may be a profitable and satisfying experience.
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