another Chomsky article and thread

[Iverson]

There's been a fair amount of discussion lately about whether Noam Chomsky is godlike or else a nasssty America-hater, with some occasion sensible commentary in between.

Here is a recent article of his with which I happen to agree. An excerpt follows.

http://www.commondreams.org/views03/1221-01.htm

Selective Memory and a Dishonest Doctrine
by Noam Chomsky

Who would expect that the United States would ever permit an independent Iraqi government to exist? Especially now that Washington has reserved the right to set up permanent military bases there, in the heart of the world's greatest oil-producing region, and has imposed an economic regime that no sovereign country would accept, putting the country's fate in the hands of Western corporations.

Throughout history, even the harshest and most shameful measures are regularly accompanied by professions of noble intent — and rhetoric about bestowing freedom and independence.

An honest look would only generalize Thomas Jefferson's observation on the world situation of his day: "We believe no more in Bonaparte's fighting merely for the liberties of the seas than in Great Britain's fighting for the liberties of mankind. The object is the same, to draw to themselves the power, the wealth and the resources of other nations."

[RBHam]

1. Calling a spade a spade

Chomsky threatens the status quo of the entrenched powers. For that alone he deserves our respect.

[Terwilliger]

2. kick for knowledge!

[StClone]

3. Looking for a paragon

Chomsky ain't perfect.

But he sure beats the pants off his detractors when asked "what have you done for me lately or at all?"