On 5/26/2010 8:16 AM, Chuck Norcutt wrote:
> "radical leftist lunatic"... that's about right.
>
I heard him speak during the first gulf war. Being Berkeley, there must
have been almost 4,000 people in there, all 3,400 seats full, many
standing and many turned away.
He was very impressive in describing the political history of the region
and the Realpolitik factors driving what was happening. He is indeed a
radical leftist, but I suspect his exposition was fairly accurate.
The interesting part came when he opened it up for a few questions. One
of the first, reflecting, I think, a general interest of the audience,
was on the lines of "What can we do to change things?" Chomsky's answer
was "Nothing", saying the historical and cultural situation and the
forces in place were too broad, powerful and entrenched to be moved by
activism.
As I was not looking for action to take, but to understand the
situation, I wasn't as much troubled as others. But I did have a sort of
sensation of futility. What was his purpose in coming if that was all he
could offer. Couldn't he have just sent a postcard saying it's all
inevitable and there's nothing to do about it?
Considering how long it has been since and what's happening in the area,
it appears he may well have been right.
Moose
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