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Noam Chomsky thinks he's the Moses of this age and even those on the Left who don't agree with him on everything accept his moral authority. But Chomsky is a socialist who practices capitalism, and an anti-militarist who has made millions off of Pentagon contracts. --Peter Schweizer, Do As I Say (Not As I Do): Profiles in Liberal Hypocrisy, October 25, 2005 [252]

Noam Chomsky#271

CapitalismActivismHypocrisySocialism

About this quote

What does it mean?
The quote accuses Chomsky of hypocrisy, claiming he supports socialist ideals personally while benefiting from capitalist and military contracts.
In plain terms
Chomsky claims to be socialist and anti-militarist but makes money from the Pentagon.
What can you take from it?
Watch for contradictions between public beliefs and private actions.

Where it applies

  • evaluating public figures
  • political debates

Putting it to work

  • check financial interests
  • compare actions to words

Questions to consider

  • Can an activist hold conflicting financial interests?
  • How do you judge a public figure's integrity?

Another view

The claim about Pentagon contracts is presented without specific proof.

More from Noam Chomsky

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  2. I really don't believe [that Pat Tillman opposed the war in Iraq and was going to meet Noam Chomsky], and I think you got it from one of those documents Mary M…

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  3. Chomsky says America is a warring country seeking to build an empire, not a liberator trying to achieve peace, freedom, and democracy. --Debbie Schlussel, Febr…

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