Where else can I find Noam Chomsky's accuracy and brilliance? Better yet, who is going to fill his shoes when he is no longer with us? I stumbled across an interesting video today and I can't quite seem to stop thinking about it. His speech is about the Gaza Strip.
http://www.democracynow.org/blog/category/web_exclusive
I'm not even going to begin on the conflict of Gaza as I'm not here to start a debate. This is merely me paying homage to a man that deserves all the recognition in the world. I find it odd, that a man of his knowledge is not creating policy or playing some role within the Government. But then again, none of us should really be surprised. The man's book was banned at GITMO after all. If you have 45 minutes and are looking for some food for thought, this is the speech to tune into. There's something about Chomsky's calming voice that makes the situation seem that much better. What a great man.
While I'm here, I'll mention democracynow.org and what a great job this organization does of keeping independent American media alive. Check it out.
http://www.democracynow.org/blog/category/web_exclusive
I'm not even going to begin on the conflict of Gaza as I'm not here to start a debate. This is merely me paying homage to a man that deserves all the recognition in the world. I find it odd, that a man of his knowledge is not creating policy or playing some role within the Government. But then again, none of us should really be surprised. The man's book was banned at GITMO after all. If you have 45 minutes and are looking for some food for thought, this is the speech to tune into. There's something about Chomsky's calming voice that makes the situation seem that much better. What a great man.
While I'm here, I'll mention democracynow.org and what a great job this organization does of keeping independent American media alive. Check it out.
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Seems a bit academic, but I like seeing footnotes that show a variety of sources in contentious and controversial area such the Arab Israeli conflict. I have issues with Norman Finklestein for the similar reasons. Rashid Khalidi and As'ad Abu Khalil on the other hand I have a lot of respect for.
Edward Said was friends with Chomsky which raises him up a great deal in my eyes. Now that was a great man.
will report back on my thoughts after.
Few comments
1) The emphasis on American support- I think he does overstate the importance of the US Support- I understand he is talking to an American audience, but I don't think it is clear that Israel would not be behaving in the same way without US support. From 1948 to 1967 the US-Israel relationship was not nearly as strong as it is today, yet Israel attacked Egypt in 1956 with the support of Britain and France. In the same period they denied Palestinian right of return, expropriated land and pursued a militant foreign policy. If tomorrow the US changed its mind and Obama actually put serious pressure on Israel I don't think Israel would act considerably different, because there is a rationale behind prolonging the occupation. It is an important part of it, but changing US foreign policy is only a first step to changing Israeli policy.
2) I am tired of hearing about Palestinians solely as victims- as if it would diminish the magnitude of what is going on. Gazan's- despite all of the hardship, have been able to survive the siege, developing a domestic economy, smuggling and reducing dependence on the outside world as much as possible. It isn't a sustainable way of life- this is a society that is heavily dependent on aid and doesn't get enough medical assistance. However this is very different from being a victim- this is survival, resistance and resilience despite oppression.