Noam Chomsky described the Guardian cover story as: “Disgusting, but not far from the norm,” adding that, in any case, “the whole debate is utterly mad.” He expanded:
“Would we have had a debate in 1943 about whether the Allies were really guilty of aiding terrorist partisans in occupied Europe? The absurdity of the whole discussion was highlighted by a marvellous statement by Condi Rice a few days ago. She was asked what the solution is in Iraq, and said something like this: “It’s obvious. Withdraw all foreign forces and foreign weapons.” I was waiting to see if one commentator would notice that there happen to be some foreign troops and weapons in Iraq apart from the Iranian ones she was of course referring to. Couldn’t find a hint.
“The basic assumption, so deeply rooted as to be invisible, is that the US owns the world (and Britain must toddle obediently behind), so US forces and weapons cannot be foreign anywhere, by definition. If they were to “liberate” England, they’d be indigenous. I doubt if any religion or totalitarian state could command such fanatic obedience. Maybe North Korea, or some crazed religious cult.” (Email to Media Lens, May 24, 2007)
2 responses so far ↓
themotivationsociety // May 25, 2007 at 2:35 pm |
If the US regime decided to “liberate” the UK (aka USK) “to protect American interests”, there would be many millions lining the streets, welcoming them in – and probably waving USK flags, provided free for Rupert Sun readers and Sky subscribers – with Rupert Times intellectuals looking on approvingly – with sponsorship deal.
I have little doubt that only a few million in this country would see it as an invasion and occupation – and only a few thousand – if that -would resist by the use of force.
We would surrender with ease – and any whimper of resistance would quickly be silenced – not by the occupying force, but by the “indigenous” people.
Jose // May 25, 2007 at 7:04 pm |
Great to see you’re recovering, 1loneranger.
I wonder whether sometimes some people should better shut up and not lead others reach false conclusions about what they hear.
Chomsky is wise enough to have realised what may have been hidden behind Ms Rice’s answer.