Reply #19: Chomsky is a truth-teller in a world of lies and false realities [View All]

[IrateCitizen]

Noam Chomsky is perceived as dangerous because he talks about things that are basic truths, yet largely ignored (or glossed over) by the powers that be. While I don't necessarily agree with all of his conclusions, he sheds light on an important topic, and that is the reality of how POWER operates.

The only counter to the ruthlessness of power is sunlight. Perhaps that is why Chomsky dedicates so much energy to producing layer upon layer of evidence to back up his assertions. In any case, his message boils down to a pretty simple one. Power cannot be trusted. Those who pursue power are those who are most ill-equipped, morally, to wield it. Nation-states are inevitably immoral because they are run by people who are most attracted to power. It is the right and responsibility of citizens throughout the world to actively question and confront power at every opportunity. The United States is simply the most powerful nation, and thereby, the least trustworthy to act in the best interest of people.

And so on.

The reason that so many have a visceral knee-jerk reaction toward him is simple -- when confronted with the kind of thought he puts forth, coupled with the mountain of evidence, people see their own realities as challenged. The only options are to consider Chomsky's views as the true reality, with regards to power relationships specifically; or to cast his views away. There is no middle ground. By casting his views aside, you can return to the realm of false realities and blissful ignorance. By accepting his views as a viable explanation of the true reality, you are opening yourself up for a world of disappointments and disillusionments, one in which you can NEVER return to the views of blissful ignorance you held before.