The Politics of the Pandemic
It should be abundantly clear that part of the president’s m.o., almost an article of faith, is to never accept responsibility when things go wrong. It’s always someone else’s fault: Pelosi, the media, the WHO, Obama, China, or immigrants. And if you criticize the leader expect retaliation. Just ask Rick Bright, a top government scientist who was removed from his job he says because he opposed the president’s touting of hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug, as a coronavirus treatment. He has filed a whistleblower complaint. The president has called him “a disgruntled employee.” These are Rick Bright’s words of warning, “Our window of opportunity is closing. If we fail to develop a nationally coordinated response, based in science, I fear the pandemic will get far worse and be prolonged, causing unprecedented illness and fatalities. Without clear planning 2020 will be the darkest winter in modern history.”
Interview by David Barsamian.
Speaker
Noam Chomsky
Noam Chomsky, by any measure, has led a most extraordinary life. In one index he is ranked as the eighth most cited person in history, right up there with Aristotle, Shakespeare, Marx, Plato and Freud. His contributions to modern linguistics are legendary. In addition to his pioneering work in that field, he has been a leading voice for peace and social justice for many decades. Chris Hedges says he is “America’s greatest intellectual” who “makes the powerful, as well as their liberal apologists, deeply uncomfortable.” The New Statesman calls him “the conscience of the American people.” He is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Linguistics and Philosophy at MIT and Laureate Professor of Linguistics and Haury Chair in the Program in Environment and Social Justice at the University of Arizona. At 95, he continues to inform and inspire people all over the world. He is the author of scores of books, his latest are Consequences of Capitalism, Chronicles of Dissent and Notes on Resistance.
R Alexander –
Should I thank you for confirming my worst fears about Trump and the GOP; their inability to handle the epidemic or play nicely with the rest of the world, their disdain for the working class, and their love affair with the Profit God, all of which any rational adult should have seen coming long before 2016?
Evangeline Elmendorf Greene –
An incredible portal into the world of reason and clear-eyed truth and wisdom from Mr. Chomsky. I am one of the increasing numbers of the vehicular homeless. Thank God for the radio in my vehicle.
Fikre Germa –
Always Learning something new! Brilliant .
Thank you very Much.
carmen barroso –
Absolutely amazing in its clarity and wisdom.
James in WA State –
Your work with Noam is the best of the best. It is invaluable and will endure. Thank you.
Bill in Southampton, MA (verified owner) –
I cannot comprehend why anyone would support the destructive actions of our President and his inner circle of sycophants. It is extremely helpful to hear Noam Chomsky recount the motives and selfish influences of those who seek to remain in power at the expense of people. Your interview, and the efforts of Alternative Radio, are very much appreciated, David.
Duncan in Boulder –
Noam Chomsky and David Barsamian teamed up for another incisive and insightful interview on The Politics of the Pandemic.
Tom Johnston, M.Ed., M.U.P –
Thank you David for interviewing Noam Chomsky! He integrates so much experience and information on so many topics in such a succinct way that it is very inspiring to listen to his presentations. I look forward to more! Please interview him about the disinformation techniques currently being used primarily by Trump and Republicans to jump to create false memes about everything that would give them a jump on power.
Karen –
I heard him last night (5/20/20) and as another poster stated – he is BRILLIANT! He was right on every single point he made (depressing as hell). He TALKS SENSE!
Johann in England –
This is brilliant! Thank you so much.
Niels in Colorado –
Thank goodness that Chomsky is still out there giving accurate language to what is going on. The scourge of greed has been enshrined in our extreme form of capitalism, predictably unanswered by our dysfunctional educational system.
Thank you for all your work.