Consequences of Capitalism
The consequences of capitalism during the pandemic have revealed glaring failures and monstrous brutalities. It’s a highly unstable economic system, careening from crisis to crisis. For a handful, it produces unparalleled levels of wealth. But for the many, if they even have a job, it’s a paycheck-to-paycheck existence. What are the priorities? The U.S. spends close to a trillion on the military. That’s more than the next ten countries combined. Compare that with the less than $50 billion allotted to the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. With robust funding, it’s very likely we would have been better prepared for the pandemic and would not be the world leader in deaths. The future? We will move toward a more humane and decent society or continue on our present destructive path.
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.
Sherry in Idaho (verified owner) –
Ditto Bob Graef’s comment. Most Americans know so little about political history and how the system actually really works. It can seem overwhelming to think we could know, so many voices in the media and so much political howling. Someone with the vast depths of understanding as Norm Chomsky clears the air, cuts to the chase. What a great interview. Thank you!
kevin kieswetter –
Sure, the environment is a cataclysm of future duress in the international community; ditto SARS and variants. But, containing an aggressive China bridled with
Russia is a scary prospect for democracy.
Betsy in Colorado –
Noam is amazing in his clear thinking and engagement, when most people his age are just sitting back and worrying about their aches and pains.
Harvey Vlahos –
I echo the sentiments already expressed. But since Professor Chomsky is a professor of linguistics, I think he might appreciate a comment on a comment. In the comment “Once again, Professor Chomsky tells it like it is” I believe the proper phrase would be Tells it AS it is. Like is, similar to, not actually how it is.
Think “It tastes like chicken” 🙂
Harvey Vlahos
Just a lone voice in the desert.
Joe in New York –
I was hugely impressed by your broadcast interview with Noam Chomsky. David’s interview was full of insights and wise commentary — and chilling on how close we came to disaster if Trump had been reelected. Thanks!
Jeffrey in WA –
Excellent interview! Noam is still amazing at 92. I really like the written transcripts.
Patrick in CO –
Just caught you and Noam on KDNK. Always amazing. Great questions.
Tom in CO –
Thanks for this very informative interview. Noam’s breadth of knowledge and clarity continue to be amazing!
Chris Langlois –
I am definitely ordering the PDF.
Bob Graef –
Once again, Professor Chomsky tells it like it is. He’s a genuine national treasure.