Naom Chomsky Feature
Do you agree with Ben about Noam Chomsky? Or do you think he's a prat?

I agree with Ben! I think he has a bit of a reputation as a radical, carazy lefty, but it's totally unfounded!

I like the articles I've read of his, but the last one on rogue states was a bit confusing. He's so intelligent though it hurts

I do apologise- the guest was me

He's a clever man with some good points to make, but the way he gets wheeled out to be predictable all the time, and a certain lack of objectivity, irritate me. For example, he's always on the back of any vaguely left-wing book giving a positive comment; not for the quality of the book, just because it's left-wing.

He had some good quotes that went into my Gov/Pol exam this year.

I like his language works but then he went off all political, when he was one of the greatest theorists ever in the English Language, rather than just a bit wonky on poliitcs, should have stuck to what he was good at

Chomsky is irrelevant. He is the classic example of a reactionary. Every position he has is a reaction to the actions of other people. Which is a problem, because such a person will never produce anything positive, or useful. That is, except in the case where genuine opposition is required. But, there is very little that opposision, alone, can achieve. As a result, he is largely irrelevant.

Chomsky has plenty of positive views, it just happens that the majority of his writing is critical of the status quo. I don't see how that makes it irrelevant in the slightest. He's an incredibly intelligent guy and he's brilliant at digging up information... I saw him speak last year and it was just incredible, he has such an intellect. I'll probably get slaughtered for saying this, but Chomsky is an anarchist and if he wrote as much about his anarchism as he does about capitalism and imperialism then he would have more of a reputation is a lefty nutter, and as a result people might take his critique's less seriously. As it is, Chomsky is popular among liberals, socialists and anarchists and he has something valuable to say to all of them.

The most cited scholar between 1980-1992 apparantly.

I've just read a lecture transcript he gave in '97 I think on the mainstream media, and the way he articulates things is brilliant. he comes out with viable and interesting opinions and ideas, and really they're so simple yet effective.
In my opinion he's an excellent academic to read.

When Chomsky writes a book about the devastation created throughout the World because of hideous anti-trade policies, then I'll view his criticisms as useful. But, that is not what he does. Instead, he writes long and stupid books criticizing U.S foreign policy.

Which, isn't to suggest that criticizing the foreign policy of the U.S isn't important. It clearly is. But, given the free, Democratic and clear Constitional nature of the U.S (and please don't give me any stupid bull-sh*t about suppression of the media, in the U.S) it's not very relevant. Any country with these characteristics will have a careful foreign policy. That is proven, in fact, by the large amount of criticism of U.S foreign policy.

Chomsky is just another dim-witted far-Leftist, with irrelevant views.

Being the most cited scholar for 12 consecutive years and having written the most cited book ever says you're wrong.

Oh, come on! You know that isn't a good argument. Britney Spears, for example, has had a heap of popular songs. Does that make her a good singer, or musician?

What? I'm beyond caring now, you're 2 and a half months too late.