Chomsky on Deacon

Dennis Perrin/Nancy Bauer bauerperrin at mindspring.com
Sat Jan 13 06:10:35 PST 2001


m malak wrote:

for chomsky to refer to berwick is like the Pope referring to some bishop's review of 'islam' or 'atheism' to say this proves its [sic] bs. or stalin asking one of his crew to criticize a bertrand russel [sic] type. despite the fact that Chomsky has read Bakunin (a prominent liberal anti-elitist) he still uses the fact that someone is 'prominent' and teaches at 'MIT' as a propogandisitic [sic] tool for criticizing others' arguments---i seriously dought [sic] chomsky has read any [any what?] in the past 10 years of people who work in different schools---he doesn't have to.

I'm not familiar with Chomsky's reading habits. I know he reads a ton of material -- political, economic, linguistic -- but what specifically I couldn't say. But you seem to have some idea.

Also, I always considered Bakunin to be an anarchist, not a "liberal." Still, these are mere terms. (Chomsky prefers Rocker.)

academics of the chomksy mold only feign politness [sic]. they might also feign being 'radical' . (eg do they think the 'rabble' should get near MIT?)

Ah, yes: Chomsky the Ivory Tower Elitist. Seems you haven't met the man, or been in a small room with him discussing politics with a handful of non-academics. Nor have you seen him mixing with the "rabble" in Third World villages from Central America to Southeast Asia to occupied Palestine. All a part of his Master Plan to convert the unwashed to his Stalinist doctrine.

progressives also think it worthelss [sic] that the 'masses' learn to read, or go to MIT. rather, they just need to be told to 'get with the program' as defined by the status quo----you revolt, i write books.

Chomsky has spent some time in jail for his "elitist" activities. He's also been wiretapped, spied upon, and otherwise watched by the powers that be (both here and abroad). Not bad for a guy who just writes books.

chomsky's errors on the other hand are first person gossip they'd be comical as anyting [sic] or anyone would be (ever see Springtime in Germany, a comic version of Hitler by some old comic [?])

I believe you're referring to "Springtime for Hitler," the big musical number from Mel Brooks' film "The Producers."

To be honest, Maureen, I'm far more familiar with Chomsky's political work than I am with his linguistic theories. For all I know, you may be on target (but something inside me says you're not). In any event, your descriptions of the man himself do not come anywhere near the Chomsky I've known for years.

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