Noam Chomsky: On Trump and the State of the Union

[babylonsister]

Noam Chomsky: On Trump and the State of the Union
THE STONE JULY 5, 2017


Over the past few months, as the disturbing prospect of a Trump administration became a disturbing reality, I decided to reach out to Noam Chomsky, the philosopher whose writing, speaking and activism has for more than 50 years provided unparalleled insight and challenges to the American and global political systems. Our conversation, as it appears here, took place as a series of email exchanges over the past two months. Although Professor Chomsky was extremely busy, because of our past intellectual exchange, he graciously provided time for this interview.

Professor Chomsky is the author of numerous best-selling political works, translated into scores of languages. Among his most recent books are “Hegemony or Survival,” “Failed States,” “Hopes and Prospects,” “Masters of Mankind” and “Who Rules the World?” He has been institute professor emeritus at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology since 1976.

— George Yancy

George Yancy: Given our “post-truth” political moment and the growing authoritarianism we are witnessing under President Trump, what public role do you think professional philosophy might play in critically addressing this situation?

Noam Chomsky: We have to be a little cautious about not trying to kill a gnat with an atom bomb. The performances are so utterly absurd regarding the “post-truth” moment that the proper response might best be ridicule. For example, Stephen Colbert’s recent comment is apropos: When the Republican legislature of North Carolina responded to a scientific study predicting a threatening rise in sea level by barring state and local agencies from developing regulations or planning documents to address the problem, Colbert responded: “This is a brilliant solution. If your science gives you a result that you don’t like, pass a law saying the result is illegal. Problem solved.”

Quite generally, that’s how the Trump administration deals with a truly existential threat to survival of organized human life: ban regulations and even research and discussion of environmental threats and race to the precipice as quickly as possible (in the interests of short-term profit and power).

G.Y.: In this regard, I find Trumpism to be a bit suicidal.

N.C.: Of course, ridicule is not enough. It’s necessary to address the concerns and beliefs of those who are taken in by the fraud, or who don’t recognize the nature and significance of the issues for other reasons. If by philosophy we mean reasoned and thoughtful analysis, then it can address the moment, though not by confronting the “alternative facts” but by analyzing and clarifying what is at stake, whatever the issue is. Beyond that, what is needed is action: urgent and dedicated, in the many ways that are open to us.

more...

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/05/opinion/noam-chomsky-on-trump-and-the-state-of-the-union.html?smprod=nytcore-iphone&smid=nytcore-iphone-share

[NRaleighLiberal]

1. incredibly worthwhile read. Nuclear war and climate change - the two major threats.

Indeed.

Thanks for posting the link - should be required reading.

[babylonsister]

2. Hello, my friend!

You are quite welcome. I have some good friends on FB who share valuable articles. This is one of them!

[NRaleighLiberal]

3. I heard an Amy Goodman interview with Chomsky when driving through DC last year

Remarkable - what a mind. Very enjoyable - yet troubling - interview, because he sees what's coming at us.

[babylonsister]

4. Yes, he can be scary.

I'm taking all this one day at a time.

And to think I thought no one could surpass idiot son in dreadfulness. Was I wrong.

I am enjoying your summer vicariously!

[Solly Mack]

5. K&R