Noam Chomsky interview on his Life and Career (2003)

Name: Noam Chomsky interview on his Life and Career (2003)
Uploaded: 2017-09-04T09:37:58.000Z
Duration: 5 h 56 min 8 s

Introduction

Noam Chomsky discusses his views on the United States and its government, as well as his upbringing in Philadelphia.

Views on the United States

The US is a complicated country with wonderful achievements, but has not used its advantages properly.

Many actions taken by the US government are deplorable and should be stopped and reversed.

It's difficult to comment on a country with so many facets, including society, culture, and government policies.

Upbringing in Philadelphia

Born in 1928 to first-generation immigrant Jewish parents who were deeply involved in the Hebrew community.

Experienced anti-Semitism growing up in a mostly German and Irish Catholic community during a deeply anti-Semitic period.

Had an irrational fear of Catholics due to street experiences during complex ethnic conflicts in cities.

Parents came from Ukraine and Belarus; both worked as Hebrew school teachers.

Education

Chomsky discusses his education at an experimental school run by Temple University and his decision to attend the University of Pennsylvania.

Experimental School

Attended an experimental school that fostered creative activity without competition or grades.

University of Pennsylvania

No specific timestamps provided. Chomsky did not consider leaving home for college since he was a working student.

Introduction to Noam Chomsky

Noam Chomsky talks about his childhood and how he met Zelich Harris, who was the most important and influential linguist in the country at that time. He also talks about meeting his wife Carol.

Childhood and Meeting Zelich Harris

Noam Chomsky grew up reading manuscripts and drafts of books as a child.

He met Zelich Harris through political contacts while on the verge of dropping out of college.

Zelich Harris drew him back into college by having him take graduate courses in linguistics, philosophy, cognitive science, and other fields.

Meeting His Wife Carol

Noam Chomsky met his wife Carol when they were children.

They interacted differently as teenagers after going through similar histories with Hebrew schools and camps.

They married young when she was 19 and he had just turned 21.

Language vs Political Activism

Noam Chomsky discusses whether he prefers his professional work in linguistics or his political activism.

Professional Work in Linguistics

Noam Chomsky finds his professional work in linguistics, philosophy, cognitive science, etc. exciting, exhilarating, challenging, and demanding.

He could easily put all of his full-time activities into it if the world would go away.

Political Activism

The other activities are difficult, rewarding, complicated, challenging, and necessary in their own way.

It is not clear which one he prefers since both are important to him.

Moving to MIT

Noam Chomsky talks about moving to MIT and his experiences there.

Moving to MIT

Noam Chomsky moved to MIT in 1955 after receiving an invitation from them.

He had just gotten a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania where he had been for four years with no recognized academic field.

He did not have any particular expectations of going on into an academic career.

Experiences at MIT

The electronics lab at MIT was directed by Jerry Wiesner, who was very imaginative personally.

It was a great ferment of intellectual excitement and interaction and challenge with many experimental efforts in biology, neurophysiology, mathematics, linguistics, acoustics, etc.

Noam Chomsky taught introductory linguistics and philosophy courses as well as cram courses in French and German.

Chomsky's Books and Activism

In this section, Chomsky talks about his books and activism.

Chomsky's First Book

Chomsky's first book was called "Syntactic Structures" which was not intended for publication but rather notes for an undergraduate linguistics course at MIT.

The book was returned by the publisher with the comment that it did not belong in any recognized field and they should wait until the field exists before trying to submit a book.

It came out 20 years later when the field had been established.

Chomsky's First Political Book

Chomsky's first political book was "American Power and the New Mandarins," a collection of essays that came out in 1969.

The essays were based on talks through the 1960s, starting around 1963 when he became involved in Vietnam War issues.

Activism and Resistance

Chomsky was directly involved in activism and resistance during this time. He went to Washington multiple times for demonstrations, got arrested, and spent time in jail.

He participated in a big demonstration at the Pentagon in October 1967 where he got arrested along with Norman Mailer.

Chomsky on 9/11

In this section, Chomsky talks about his book "9/11" which is a collection of interviews discussing the events surrounding September 11th.

Main Point of "9/11"

The main point of "9/11" is that what happened on September 11th was a horrifying atrocity, but for much of the world, the response to it was welcome to the club.

Chomsky argues that the US has played a role in terrorizing other countries and that this needs to be acknowledged.

Global Response to 9/11

In this section, Noam Chomsky discusses the global response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the question of whether bombing the place where the perpetrators came from would be supported.

Support for Bombing

The question asked around the world was if the perpetrators of the terrorist attack are identified, on that assumption, would you be in favor of bombing the place where they came from?

There were two questions: if it attacked only military targets and secondly, if it also hit civilians.

Responses were interesting. There was very little support for the policy that was actually undertaken.

In Latin America, which is a region with most experience with US domination and intervention responses, support ranged from about 2% in Mexico to about 11% in Colombia and Venezuela. The only marginal exception was Panama which has a very angular an American component there and even there 16 percent supported bombing.

Addressing Terrorism

If we're interested in reducing terrorism threats, we have to make a crucial distinction between terrorists themselves who are carrying out criminal acts and treating them like criminal acts.

We need to address grievances from which terrorism arises as well as its reservoir of understanding where real grievances lie that have to be dealt with.

These topics are discussed in book can Jess interviews Justin and Noam Chomsky's our guests.

Incompetence of Today's Leaders

In this section, Noam Chomsky responds to a caller's question regarding his opinion on today's leaders' incompetence compared to past leaders such as FDR.

Competence vs. Honesty

Noam Chomsky does not believe today's leaders are incompetent but rather competent at what they do.

They know what they're doing; they're dedicated, committed, and even tell us very frankly what they're doing.

The national security strategy announced last September was a clear brazen statement of a program of sustaining world dominance by means of force and announcing the intention to rely on force to suppress any potential challenge to that dominance.

The History of US Policy

In this section, Noam Chomsky discusses the history of US policy and its impact on various regions.

US Conquest and Atrocities

The founding fathers knew what they were doing when they exterminated Native Americans with ferocious cruelty.

The US conquered the Philippines and killed hundreds of thousands of people. Mark Twain wrote bitter anti-war essays about it.

After conquering national territory, the US became regionally dominant in Central America and the Caribbean. This history is not attractive.

Disagreement with Caller

A caller disagrees with Chomsky's generalizations about US policy being responsible for suffering around the world.

Chomsky agrees that one should be accurate about facts but notes that there is plenty of suffering around the world that is a result of US policy.

While some problems are out of our control, we have a responsibility to terminate what we're doing and improve situations where possible.

Other Topics

There are plenty of other horrible things going on in the world that are out of our control.

A caller asks if Chomsky has had any connection with Edward L Bernays, who was a resident of Cambridge for 40 years.

Edward Bernays and the Birth of Public Relations

Noam Chomsky discusses the influence of Edward Bernays, a pioneer in public relations, on modern propaganda and manipulation.

Bernays' Influences

Bernays was influenced by his participation in Woodrow Wilson's Committee on Public Information, which aimed to drive a pacifist population into support for World War I.

Bernays learned that intelligent minorities can engineer consent through manipulation, propaganda, and control for the benefit of the public.

Walter Lippmann also drew from this experience and wrote about "manufacturing consent" as a new art in democracy.

The Role of Public Relations

Bernays was one of the founders of modern public relations, which aims to control attitudes and beliefs while marginalizing people.

Its goal is to drive people towards superficial things like fashionable consumption and keep them out of the public arena where they don't belong.

Examples of Manipulation

One example is how Bernays convinced women to smoke cigarettes through an elaborate PR campaign that included models walking down Fifth Avenue with cigarettes.

Another example is how he ran the PR effort to support the overthrow of Guatemala's democratic government, leading to horrifying atrocities.

Responsibility for Criminal Acts

Noam Chomsky discusses the extent to which people are responsible for criminal acts committed by their government.

Living Under a Dictatorship

People living under a dictatorship and unable to do anything about the government's crimes are only responsible to a limited extent.

In contrast, those living in free democratic societies with many freedoms have more responsibility for their government's actions because they can take action.

If someone shares responsibility for criminal acts, they are liable for the consequences.

9/11 Conspiracy Theories

Noam Chomsky addresses the idea of 9/11 as a false flag operation or an event that was allowed to happen on purpose.

Likelihood of Planning

Chomsky is personally skeptical about the idea that 9/11 was planned as a false flag operation.

It would have been an act of madness on the part of the White House to plan such an attack, and it is unlikely that it could have been kept secret.

While governments around the world used 9/11 as an opportunity to increase repression and discipline, this does not mean they were involved in planning it.

Effectiveness of Demonstrations

A caller questions the effectiveness of demonstrations and civil disobedience in changing US policy during Vietnam War.

Public Opinion and Direct Action

Public opinion turned against the Vietnam War in 1968, but the war continued for seven more years.

Demonstrations and civil disobedience may not be effective in getting media coverage or changing policy.

Direct action such as door-to-door canvassing and literature dropping may be more effective in getting a message across.

The Effectiveness of Demonstrations in Electoral Politics

In this section, the speakers discuss the effectiveness of demonstrations in electoral politics. They use the example of the Vietnam War to illustrate their points.

Demonstrations and Electoral Politics

Demonstrations can be effective in electoral politics if they are connected with day-to-day organizing and educational activities.

However, demonstrations that are not connected to ongoing activities are pointless.

The demonstrations against the Vietnam War were successful because they were part of everyday organizing and educational activities.

The demonstrations stimulated other people to join and contributed to activism, which ultimately led to political figures becoming leaders of a mass popular movement.

Evidence for the Effectiveness of Demonstrations

After the Tet Offensive in January 1968, business leaders turned against the war because it was becoming too costly for the United States.

Lyndon Johnson was never able to call a national mobilization like during World War II because there was too much discontent due to activism, including demonstrations.

Politicians like Eugene McCarthy only appeared when there was a mass base for it after years of hard work, including demonstrations.

The Significance of Mass Demonstrations

In this section, the speakers discuss how mass demonstrations can be significant and provide an example from history.

Mass Demonstrations

Mass demonstrations can be significant if done properly as part of ongoing organizing and educational activities.

The biggest mass demonstration in history occurred on February 15th around the world against the Iraq War.

Significance of Mass Demonstrations

The New York Times commented that there are now two superpowers on the planet: the US government and world public opinion.

World public opinion was visible on February 15th, which demonstrated the significance of mass demonstrations.

The Basis for Developing Popular Movements

In this section, Noam Chomsky discusses the basis for developing significant popular movements that will impede and help reverse the use of violence in world domination and control.

Consciousness and Understanding

In 1962, a protest occurred before the war had actually started, indicating a major change in consciousness and understanding in the country.

Importance of Day-to-Day Explanation Work

Demonstrations don't mean anything unless day-to-day explanation work such as leafleting is a central part of the activity.

Anti-Terrorism Bills and FCC Rule Change

In this section, Noam Chomsky talks about anti-terrorism bills rushed through Congress after the Oklahoma City bombing and extended since September 11th. He also discusses an FCC rule change proposed on June 2nd that would allow media companies like Clear Channel Communications to purchase newspapers.

FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force Flyers

The FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force has issued flyers urging the public to call for information about possible terrorists defenders of the US Constitution or those who make numerous references to the Constitution or attempt to police individuals.

FCC Rule Change Proposal

Noam Chomsky believes that allowing media companies like Clear Channel Communications to purchase newspapers will limit free press.

Two out of every three households are reached by six major media companies.

Noam Chomsky thinks that diverse oppressors are needed instead of monopolies.

Support for Free Press and Civil Liberties

In this section, Noam Chomsky discusses his support for free press and civil liberties.

FCC Ruling

Noam Chomsky is against the FCC ruling that will increase monopoly and centralization of media.

Anti-Terrorism Legislation and Civil Liberties

The Bush Justice Department has claimed rights which are incredible, such as imprisoning people including citizens of the United States without trial or charge indefinitely.

There is a new act under discussion called Patriot two which includes provisions that would grant the Attorney General the right to withdraw citizenship on inference from some pattern of behavior that the person supports terrorists.

No free and democratic society should tolerate anything remotely like this.

Winston Churchill's Quote on Preventive Detention

In this section, Noam Chomsky discusses a quote by Winston Churchill about preventive detention and how it relates to current events.

Churchill's Quote on Preventive Detention

Churchill said that "to place a man in prison without charge and without the judgment of his peers in a fair trial is in the highest degree odious and the foundation of all totalitarian governments whether Nazi or communist."

This quote is relevant to current events where people are being detained without proper legal representation or a fair trial.

Chomsky emphasizes that what is being proposed and implemented is "in the highest degree odious" and should be deeply concerning.

Noam Chomsky's Published Books

In this section, Noam Chomsky talks about some of the books he has published over almost 50 years.

Noam Chomsky's Published Books

Chomsky has published around 98 books over almost 50 years.

Some of his notable works include "American Power and the New Mandarins," "World Order's Old and New," and "Deterring Democracy."

Military Officer Questions on Protecting National Interests

In this section, a military officer asks Noam Chomsky questions about protecting national interests.

Protecting National Interests

The military officer asks if it is natural for a country to protect its borders and guard its national interests.

Chomsky agrees that it is natural for countries to do so.

The military officer brings up radical Islamic terrorism as an example, but there is no evidence linking Saddam Hussein's regime to al Qaeda.

Chomsky emphasizes that the war in Iraq has increased recruitment for al Qaeda and has not helped in the fight against terrorism.

Can First World Countries Promote Peace in the Middle East?

In this section, a caller asks Noam Chomsky if first world countries can promote peace in the Middle East.

Promoting Peace in the Middle East

The caller asks if first world countries can promote peace in the face of Arab humiliation and overcome Israeli defensive measures.

Chomsky cites a former chief of Israeli military intelligence who pointed out that until Israel is willing to treat Arabs as equals, there will be no peace.

He also mentions that the US could play a role by ending its support for Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories.

The Threat of Terror and the Legitimate Grievances of the Palestinian Population

In this section, Noam Chomsky discusses the threat of terror and how it relates to the legitimate grievances of the Palestinian population. He also talks about how US foreign policy contributes to anti-American sentiment in the Arab world.

The Threat of Terror

Israel was virtually immune from terror from within the territories when Chomsky wrote about it.

Until legitimate grievances and demands of Palestinians under occupation are addressed, terror will not end.

Humiliation, degradation, and repression can lead to opposition and sometimes terror.

Anti-American Sentiment in the Arab World

President Eisenhower discussed a campaign of hatred against the US in the Arab world almost 50 years ago.

There is a perception in the Arab world that the US supports corrupt and oppressive regimes that block democracy and development for their own interest in controlling oil reserves.

Wealthy Muslim managers perceive correctly that America supports brutal, corrupt, repressive regimes blocking democracy and development which leads to antagonism and often hatred.

Dealing with Terrorism: Escalation vs. Addressing Legitimate Grievances

In this section, Chomsky discusses how dealing with terrorism through escalation only increases it while addressing legitimate grievances can improve situations.

Northern Ireland Example

As long as Britain responded to Irish terrorism with violence, it increased terrorism.

When Britain began dealing with legitimate grievances instead, it improved situations enormously.

Censorship in the Mainstream Media

In this section, Chomsky discusses how his critical voice and those of other dissenters are almost never heard in mainstream media.

Chomsky doesn't appear in mainstream media because it reflects a narrow spectrum of opinion.

The media is rigid and reflects a pretty narrow spectrum of opinion.

There is quite a bit of censorship due to interlocking big business media owned by military-industrial weapons manufacturers that collude with the CIA.

Prior Knowledge of 9/11 Attack

In this section, Chomsky discusses whether or not there was prior knowledge of the 9/11 attack.

It's not plausible that an administration or intelligence faction supporting it had prior knowledge and saw that only war mongers within the Bush administration and police state factions within Ashcroft justice would benefit from the attack.

Operation Northwood

Noam Chomsky and a caller discuss Operation Northwood, a contingency plan proposed by the Department of Defense to frame Cuba for bombings in American cities. The plan was not implemented, but it shows that there were factions within the government with plans for world domination.

Contingency Plans

Operation Northwood was a contingency plan proposed by the Department of Defense to frame Cuba for bombings in American cities. It was not implemented, but it shows that there were factions within the government with plans for world domination.

There were other contingency plans proposed by more liberal sectors of the Kennedy administration, such as staging a fake Cuban invasion of Haiti to use as a basis for invading Cuba.

Looking at contingency plans by governments does not provide conclusive evidence about 9/11. A crucial distinction must be made between whether the Bush administration planned 9/11 (which is outlandish) and whether they had foreknowledge of it (which is conceivable).

Stagnation of Real Wages

Noam Chomsky discusses how real wages have stagnated or declined since their peak around 25 years ago due to conservative policies that prioritize markets for the poor and state protection for the rich.

Stagnation of Real Wages

About ten years ago, the United States had the highest wages in the world, which is what you'd expect from being the richest country in the world. However, real wages have stagnated or even declined since their peak around 25 years ago due to conservative policies that prioritize markets for the poor and state protection for the rich.

By 1993, this impact was quite obvious: the Wall Street Journal was able to exalt over the fact that US labor costs had fallen below all other leading industrial powers apart from England.

Meanwhile, profits were rising to new heights. Earlier this year, Fortune magazine reported "dazzling profits" for the 500 top corporations, even though sales were not increasing at the same rate.

Introduction

Professor Chomsky is in the studio for an hour and 45 minutes to answer questions from callers. The first caller asks about socialism and its potential in the US.

Socialism in the US

The caller asks about the potential for a true socialistic movement in the US.

Chomsky explains that tax cuts are not true socialism, but rather a way to redistribute income towards the rich.

He mentions that tax cuts are part of an effort to destroy progressive legislation, including social spending such as Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid.

Chomsky believes that Congress will reform social spending by eliminating it through a fiscal train wreck, which will benefit the wealthy.

Soviet Union's Version of Socialism

Chomsky explains how both Western propaganda and Soviet propaganda called the Soviet Union a socialist society for opposite reasons.

He states that this was remote from socialism as one can imagine.

Conclusion

In this transcript, Professor Chomsky discusses socialism and its potential in the US. He also talks about how tax cuts are not true socialism but rather a way to redistribute income towards the rich. Additionally, he explains how both Western propaganda and Soviet propaganda called the Soviet Union a socialist society for opposite reasons.

Socialism and Democracy

Noam Chomsky discusses the collapse of the Soviet Union, traditional socialism, and democracy.

Traditional Socialism

The collapse of the Soviet Union eliminated a major barrier to socialism.

Traditional socialism calls for people to be in control of their own destinies and lives, including the institutions in which they work and communities in which they live.

John Dewey believed that until we have industrial democracy, politics will be controlled by big business.

Zionism and Israel

Noam Chomsky talks about his early experiences with Zionism, opposition to a Jewish state, and his vision for Israel.

Early Zionism

Chomsky was a Zionist youth leader who opposed a Jewish state.

A state should be a state of its citizens and not of some privileged category of its citizens.

State of Israel

After the establishment of Israel in 1948, it should have had the rights of any state in the international system.

States do not have many legitimate rights but special privileges for certain groups should be opposed.

Israel-Palestine Conflict

In this section, Noam Chomsky discusses the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, settlement programs, and the possibility of a political settlement.

Israeli Occupation

Israel has occupied the West Bank, Sinai, Gaza, and Golan Heights for 36 years.

The US authorizes everything Israel does in terms of diplomatic, military, and economic support.

Settlement programs have broken up the West Bank into effectively separated cantons.

The Clinton-Barak program proposed a settlement that was completely unacceptable to Palestinians because it broke up the West Bank into virtually separated cantons.

Political Settlement

There needs to be a preliminary settlement on approximately the international border as of pre-June 1967 with some adjustments due to changes since then.

There should be one-to-one land swaps which would be the basis for at least a political settlement that would lay the basis for an end to violence integration of a peaceful integration of Israel into the region as it leading industrial and financial center.

The US has been blocking this for 25 years despite overwhelming international consensus on this issue.

Future Possibilities

Serious problems of democratization both in Israel and in Palestine will arise if there is a political settlement.

A move towards some kind of federal structure ultimately as relations improve among people could be possible.

The United States and Industrial Feudalism

In this section, the speaker discusses how the United States' capitalistic system is profit-driven and how special interests from the industrial society are creating frustration, antagonism, and resentment against the country resulting in terrorism.

Capitalistic System and Plutocracy

The United States' foundation is based on a capitalistic system that is profit-driven.

Special interests from the industrial society are prevalent in making changes on behalf of the United States.

This creates frustration, antagonism, and resentment against the country resulting in terrorism.

Disinterested Public and Consolidations

In this section, the speaker talks about how a disinterested public or one that's being kept out of the whole process can affect change. They also discuss further meetings consolidations.

Disinterested Public

A disinterested public can affect change.

People are being kept out of the whole process.

Further Meetings Consolidations

Further meetings consolidations will keep people even more out of the process.

Double Standards for Israel?

In this section, a caller accuses Professor Chomsky of holding Israel to a double standard.

Accusation of Double Standard

Caller accuses Professor Chomsky of holding Israel to a double standard.

Jewish people cannot visit Temple Mount but when Jews control religious areas they're supposed to make it available to everybody.

Military Action Against Iran?

In this section, a caller presents a hypothesis about Sharon's move to refer to the old words as people say and see what appears to be all roads leading to Tehran far as military action.

Hypothesis

Caller presents a hypothesis about Sharon's move.

The inevitable move for military action is against Iran probably within the next year or so.

9/11 Conspiracy Theories

In this section, a caller raises conspiracy theories about 9/11 and asks Professor Chomsky to comment on them.

Conspiracy Theories

Caller raises conspiracy theories about 9/11.

Government said that there was vaporization of aluminum album along with the guided missile hitting the Pentagon.

Terrorists arranged cell phone calls which have been shown by experiment to be impossible.

Terrorists put explosives in World Trade Center buildings because Columbia University seismographs showed pulses that could only have been caused by explosives at the beginning of the fall of each of those buildings.

Extreme Skepticism About Technical Issues

In this section, Professor Chomsky expresses extreme skepticism about technical issues raised by previous callers.

Extreme Skepticism

Professor Chomsky expresses extreme skepticism about technical issues raised by previous callers.

He has not checked any of the technical issues discussed and cannot comment on them.

The Separation Wall and Bantustanization

In this section, the speaker discusses the separation wall in the West Bank and how it is breaking up Palestinian territories into cantons. He also talks about how Israeli planners are using a Bantustanization program to set up cantons that have some connection but are basically unviable.

The Separation Wall

The separation wall is going from north to south and has already encircled a Palestinian town called Qalqilya, virtually destroying it.

It was announced that the separation wall will go to settlements to the east of Jerusalem extending almost to Jericho which cuts it again.

Ramallah do meme was established primarily in the Clinton Barack period pretty much with the purpose of bisecting the West Bank and it's got infrastructure connections to Israel which essentially break up the Palestinian territories.

Bantustanization Program

Israeli planners are using a Bantustanization program setting up cantons which have some connection but not much and are basically unviable.

This program is criticized as being one of the most grotesque efforts of apartheid regime in South Africa, but it's regarded as a model by Israeli planners.

Setting up Canton's is an effort to neutralize Arab world, however, if anything like that program happens then it won't work.

Iran: Weapons of Mass Destruction & Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

In this section, the speaker talks about how US policy towards Iran may be creating a self-fulfilling prophecy where Iran develops weapons of mass destruction as a deterrent. He also discusses the likelihood of an attack on Iran and why he thinks it's not likely.

The US policy towards Iran may be creating a self-fulfilling prophecy where Iran develops weapons of mass destruction as a deterrent.

An attack on Iran is not likely because Iran is not defenseless like Iraq was, but subversion is not unlikely.

There are efforts underway to stir up subversive activities and stimulating nationalist elements like Azeri in the north to build up breakaway movements.

US Policies and Political System

In this section, Noam Chomsky discusses the US policies throughout the region and the political system in America.

US Policies Throughout the Region

The US should not support repressive and brutal states like Saudi Arabia.

The recent trade agreements grant corporations rights that go far beyond persons of flesh and blood.

These trade agreements are a complete reversal on a sharp attack against the liberal principles on which the country was founded.

Political System in America

The political system is really what political science is sometimes called polyarchy, not a democracy.

James Madison argued strongly against democracy. He gave the model of England where power should be in the hands of the wealthy who basically are concerned with property rights.

Over centuries there have been many struggles about these issues. It's a large part of American history.

Attitude Studies and Helplessness

In this section, Noam Chomsky discusses attitude studies that show an increase in helplessness among people. He explains how people feel that the government is not doing anything for them, leading to a lack of interest in politics and elections.

Attitude Studies on Helplessness

Attitude studies show an increase in helplessness among people.

People feel that the government is not doing anything for them, leading to a lack of interest in politics and elections.

Issue identification was extremely low during the last presidential election, with most people unable to tell where candidates stood on issues.

The election is crafted to focus on qualities rather than issues because popular opinion and elite opinion are sharply divided on major issues.

US Policy on Iran

In this section, Noam Chomsky talks about the situation in Iran and how it's difficult for the population due to internal constraints. He also discusses how external threats from the US hinder reformist movements within Iran.

Situation in Iran

Substantial majority of the population wants to pursue reform measures which will undermine the power of clerical autocracy.

Threatening invasion hinders reformist movements by giving credibility to more authoritarian elements within Iran.

Efforts from outside through diplomacy, commercial relations, trade can help integrate Iran into the region and world, improving conditions under which they can deal with their own problems.

Protecting Country's Population and Economy

In this section, Noam Chomsky responds to a question about whether a country should protect its population, borders, and economy.

Protecting Population and Economy

Noam Chomsky agrees that a country should protect its population, borders, and economy.

The questioner asks for clarification on whether Noam Chomsky believes that a country's economy should be protected.

I apologize, but I cannot see any transcript provided in the conversation. Could you please provide me with the transcript so that I can create a markdown file as per your requirements?

Chomsky on JFK and Vietnam

Chomsky discusses his book "Rethinking Camelot" and the extensive documentation released by the State Department about the early 1960s, which supplemented the information available from the Pentagon Papers. He argues that this documentation demonstrates conclusively that John F. Kennedy was a hawk on Vietnam who wanted to get troops out only after victory.

JFK's Policy on Vietnam

Chomsky's book "Rethinking Camelot" is based on extensive documentation released by the State Department about the early 1960s.

The Pentagon Papers were an unusually rich source of information because they were not intended to reach the public.

The documentation demonstrates conclusively that JFK was a hawk on Vietnam who wanted to get troops out only after victory.

There is no reason to believe that JFK would have done anything differently if he had lived.

Delusions of American Exceptionalism

A caller expresses concern about Americans being deluded into thinking they are saviors of democracy and how voices like Chomsky's are sometimes hijacked by radicals or celebrities, undermining their credibility.

American Exceptionalism

Caller expresses concern about Americans being deluded into thinking they are saviors of democracy.

After 9/11, public became more annoyed and deeply mistrustful of people from other races within their own country.

Hijacking Voices of Reason

Caller expresses concern about how voices like Chomsky's are sometimes hijacked by radicals or celebrities, undermining their credibility.

The Iraq War and Propaganda

In this section, Noam Chomsky discusses the propaganda campaign that led to the US invasion of Iraq. He explains how the US government and media insinuated that Iraq was an imminent threat to US security, despite evidence to the contrary.

Insinuating Iraq as a Threat

The US government and media insinuated that Iraq was an imminent threat to US security.

Majority of the population came to believe that Iraq is a direct threat to US security.

Countries invaded by Saddam Hussein did not fear him as they knew he was virtually disarmed.

The connection between Saddam Hussein and terrorism was completely fabricated.

Effect of Propaganda

The propaganda campaign increased recruitment for terrorist groups, increasing the threat of terror.

Bush's claim that victory in Iraq was a victory in the war on terror was false.

Imperialism and Self-Delusion

In this section, Noam Chomsky compares American imperialism with British imperialism in India. He also discusses self-delusion among Americans after 9/11.

Comparison with British Imperialism

America is following closely the model of other imperial powers such as Britain.

After two centuries of British rule, India became an impoverished mostly agricultural society.

Self-Delusion after 9/11

9/11 made people feel they better find out something about the world and their role in it.

There was a notable increase in requests for talks and sales of books after 9/11.

The massive protests against the Iraq war were based on healthy, sensible reactions.

The Zionist Movement and a Jewish Homeland in Palestine

In this section, Noam Chomsky discusses the Zionist movement's commitment to establishing a Jewish homeland in Palestine. He acknowledges that there is debate about the validity of having a Jewish homeland in Palestine but notes that his parents and he were committed to it.

The Zionist Movement's Commitment to Establishing a Jewish Homeland

The part of the Zionist movement that Noam Chomsky belonged to was committed to establishing a kind of Jewish homeland in Palestine.

The groups that he was part of were calling for bi-national settlement in Palestine, which would be based on cooperation, collectives, and efforts to integrate the general populations into it.

Once the state was established in 1948, questions about whether it should be a Jewish state became more pressing. Chomsky believes that states can claim few rights but acknowledges that they have some rights under international law.

Trade Agreements and Corporate Rights

In this section, Noam Chomsky discusses how trade agreements grant corporations rights that human beings do not have. He also talks about how corporations can sue governments for alleged loss of profits.

Corporate Rights Under Trade Agreements

Trade laws grant corporations rights that human beings don't have. These include measures which allow corporations to sue governments for alleged loss of profits due to laws governing discrimination or environmental protection.

Some US corporations have sued Mexico and Canada under these rules. In principle, other corporations from other countries could do so as well.

According to Chomsky, such suits are completely illegitimate because individuals cannot sue countries for loss of profits.

Reading Suggestions and Voting

In this section, Noam Chomsky answers three questions from callers. He talks about what people can do besides voting, suggests a book to read, and discusses the importance of having candidates and issues to vote for.

What People Can Do Besides Voting

Chomsky believes that voting is important but notes that there have to be issues and candidates to vote for.

Secondary associations such as organizations of people who press their own interests and concerns are also important because they can make voting meaningful.

Book Suggestion

Chomsky cannot suggest one book that everyone should read because it depends on their interests and concerns. However, he suggests Howard Zinn's "A People's History of the United States" as a good introduction to US history.

Talk Show on Radio

Chomsky says he has never had his own talk show on radio and does not think he could handle it.

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Understanding Media Institutions

In this section, Chomsky discusses the institutional roots of media and how they are tied to major corporations. He argues that the interests and concerns of sellers and buyers have a powerful influence on the media product.

The Influence of Corporations on Media

Chomsky believes that understanding media institutions requires looking at their institutional roots.

Major corporations are tied to media institutions, and their income comes from other businesses, namely advertisers.

The interests and concerns of sellers and buyers have a powerful influence on the media product.

The Internet as a Source of News

In this section, Chomsky discusses the potential for the internet to break through mainstream media's doctrinal control. He cites examples of successful internet-based activism but also warns about its negative aspects.

Activism Through the Internet

Chomsky believes that the internet has been valuable in education, organization, and going around mainstream media's doctrinal control.

Examples of successful internet-based activism include the World Social Forum, opposition to multilateral agreements on investments, overthrowing dictators in Indonesia and South Korea.

South Korea is an example of how alternative media can break through mainstream media monopolies.

Negative Aspects of the Internet

While there are positive aspects to using the internet as a source of news, it can also be used for coercion and domination. It is important to read what you find with critical caution and skepticism.

Tax Cuts & Palestine State Solution

In this section, Chomsky comments on the House Republicans' use of the phrase "rising tide lifts all boats" to imply that tax cuts help the poor. He also provides his opinion on a proposed solution for Palestine.

Tax Cuts

Chomsky believes that the House Republicans' use of the phrase "rising tide lifts all boats" is vulgar propaganda.

Tax cuts are targeted for the benefit of the rich overwhelmingly, and it is unlikely to help minimum wage workers.

Palestine State Solution

A proposed solution for Palestine is to carve out a state between Egypt and Israel from Gaza Strip to an inlet on the other side, with equal amounts of land from each side.

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