Samantha Power, Bush & Terrorism

Chomsky on hypocrisy and double standards: This is a constant theme of Chomsky's, perhaps his most basic and important. The question of hypocrisy is an ordinary insight, but it assumes importance because of the intellectual 'culture' in which Chomsky lives and which he criticizes. What I call the 'Chomskyan Revolution' is the perception or sudden perception of this insight. An important moment in one's moral and intellectual journey if it happens. But some (many?) people cannot perceive this, even if it is explained to them. A few quotes:

[Powers'] was an interesting article, and her work, and its popularity, gives some insight into the reigning intellectual culture.

There are many interesting aspects to the article. One is that "terrorism" is implicitly defined as what THEY do to US, excluding what WE do to THEM. But that's so deeply engrained in the state religion that it's hardly worth mentioning....

What is interesting and enlightening is that no matter how many times trivialities like this are pointed out -- and it's been many times -- it is entirely incomprehensible within the intellectual culture. That reveals a very impressive level of subordination to authority and indoctrination, well beyond what one would expect in totalitarian states....

I've been intrigued to see how reviewers and commentators (Sam Harris, to pick one egregious example) simply cannot even see the comments, let alone comprehend them. Since it's all pretty obvious, it reveals, again, the remarkable successes of indoctrination under freedom, and the moral depravity and corruption of the dominant intellectual culture....

Insufficient attention has been paid to Orwell's observations on how in free England, unpopular ideas can be suppressed without the use of force. One factor, he proposed, is a good education. When you have been through the best schools, finally Oxford and Cambridge, you simply have instilled into you the understanding that there are certain things "it wouldn't do to say" -- and we may add, even to think.

It's a towering moment of shame in the vaunted 'Western' civilization. To fail to grasp it, even when it is explained in clear and simple language.

The famous quote from Gandhi is apropos here. When asked the question, What do you think of Western Civilization?, he replied: "It would be a good idea."

While we're quoting Gandhi, a couple of other teachings might have relevance to our violent and murderous 'Western Civilisation':

I cannot teach you violence, as I do not myself believe in it. I can only teach you not to bow your heads before any one even at the cost of your life....

What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty or democracy?...

It is my firm opinion that Europe does not represent the spirit of God or Christianity but the spirit of Satan. And Satan’s successes are the greatest when he appears with the name of God on his lips.

Chomsky on hypocrisy and double standards: This is a constant theme of Chomsky's, perhaps his most basic and important. The question of hypocrisy is an ordinary insight, but it assumes importance because of the intellectual 'culture' in which Chomsky lives and which he criticizes. What I call the 'Chomskyan Revolution' is the perception or sudden perception of this insight. An important moment in one's moral and intellectual journey if it happens. But some (many?) people cannot perceive this, even if it is explained to them. A few quotes:

[Powers'] was an interesting article, and her work, and its popularity, gives some insight into the reigning intellectual culture.

There are many interesting aspects to the article. One is that "terrorism" is implicitly defined as what THEY do to US, excluding what WE do to THEM. But that's so deeply engrained in the state religion that it's hardly worth mentioning....

What is interesting and enlightening is that no matter how many times trivialities like this are pointed out -- and it's been many times -- it is entirely incomprehensible within the intellectual culture. That reveals a very impressive level of subordination to authority and indoctrination, well beyond what one would expect in totalitarian states....

I've been intrigued to see how reviewers and commentators (Sam Harris, to pick one egregious example) simply cannot even see the comments, let alone comprehend them. Since it's all pretty obvious, it reveals, again, the remarkable successes of indoctrination under freedom, and the moral depravity and corruption of the dominant intellectual culture....

Insufficient attention has been paid to Orwell's observations on how in free England, unpopular ideas can be suppressed without the use of force. One factor, he proposed, is a good education. When you have been through the best schools, finally Oxford and Cambridge, you simply have instilled into you the understanding that there are certain things "it wouldn't do to say" -- and we may add, even to think.

It's a towering moment of shame in the vaunted 'Western' civilization. To fail to grasp it, even when it is explained in clear and simple language.

The famous quote from Gandhi is apropos here. When asked the question, What do you think of Western Civilization?, he replied: "It would be a good idea."

While we're quoting Gandhi, a couple of other teachings might have relevance to our violent and murderous 'Western Civilisation':

I cannot teach you violence, as I do not myself believe in it. I can only teach you not to bow your heads before any one even at the cost of your life....

What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty or democracy?...

It is my firm opinion that Europe does not represent the spirit of God or Christianity but the spirit of Satan. And Satan’s successes are the greatest when he appears with the name of God on his lips.

Samantha Power, Bush & Terrorism