The Julian Assange Show: Noam Chomsky & Tariq Ali

"When I Saw Noam Chomsky Cry" ~ by Fred Branfman; Salon/Alternet; June 17, 2012.

http://www.alternet.org/story/155902/when_i_saw_noam_chomsky_cry

".... I first met Noam Chomsky in Laos .... His foremost contribution for me has been his constant focus on how U.S. leaders treat so many of the world’s population as “unpeople,” either exploiting them economically or engaging in war-making, which has murdered, maimed or made homeless over 20 million people since the end of World War II (over 5 million in Iraq and 16 million in Indochina according to official U.S. government statistics) ...."

/more at link

in some ways, it was an eye opener for me. i had this impression - maybe because of his academic background - that Chomsky was more an ethical rationalist in his stand against militarism & violence; than, for example - Howard Zinn, who appeared (to me) to be more emotionally involved. but, this article showed me how much empathy & feeling Chomsky has, for the helpless victims he has fought for throughout his life. it really made me appreciate the guy so much more.

How refreshing to see an interesting discussion, by these serious people, on these serious topics.

I was a little disappointed with some of Chomsky's and Ali's responses to some of Assange's questions. In particular, he asked two really key questions;

1. To what extent is a truly independent government justified in using repressive techniques, in order to preserve its independence? (He used Cuba as an example.)

2. Is “authoritarian capitalism” (ie fascism) more efficient than democracy (or anything else) and therefore destined to displace all other systems?

Sadly, neither Chomsky nor Ali seemed up to the task of answering these questions. They seemed to wander off on their own discussions about how special Cuba is, and how the US is only strong because of its military. That is, they seemed unable to get beyond the specific examples to discuss the principles that motivated Assange’s questions.

Interesting, though. I hope we see more!!!