Noam Way

Once again, Noam Chomsky, the world-renowned linguist, writer and political activist, was brilliant last week when he spoke at the First Unitarian Church on Chestnut Street.

Chomsky, a 74-year-old Philadelphia native who received his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, has been a professor of linguistics at MIT since 1955. He spoke before a diverse group of at least 400, many of whom could only find a seat on the floor.

The event, entitled “Noam Chomsky: Media and Democracy,” was a benefit sponsored by Media Tank, Philadelphia Community Access Coalition and Greater Philadelphia Democratic Left. For $15, you could hear Chomsky speak to the crowd. For another $35, you could attend the post-talk reception where he would speak directly to you. Members of the press were encouraged to attend.

Edward S. Herman, the co-author of Chomsky’s 1988 book, Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of Mass Media, and professor emeritus at the Wharton School, introduced his respected colleague. In his opening remarks, Herman stressed that the responsibility of the intellectual is to speak truth against power, not to it. And he pointed out that although Chomsky has written thousands of books and articles, appearing throughout the world, his work hasn’t been seen on the pages of any mainstream periodicals since the 1960s, when Chomsky wrote what was considered a scathing piece on the evils of the war in Vietnam for The New York Times.

Chomsky peeled off his gray corduroy sports jacket, wiped clean his oversized wire-rimmed glasses, and launched into his written discourse.

“A democracy requires a free, independent and inquiring media,” he said, to thunderous applause. “But, of course, that doesn’t exist.”

Talking for less than an hour, Chomsky took his listeners down a lot of heady roads. He discussed the concept of neo-liberalism and explained the ills of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) and GATS (General Agreement on Trade on Services). He denounced the 2000 presidential election as “the voting shenanigans in Florida,” and said that democracy and powerlessness go hand in hand.

“Most people regard the system as a farce and feel powerless,” Chomsky said in a serious, quiet voice. “If allowed, the poor would use their voting rights to affect the rights of the rich.… And, if you want people not to see what’s really happening, frighten them.”

Chomsky railed on about the Bush administration, suggesting that the current cabinet is comprised of “recycled Reaganites.” And then, he took an unambiguous stand on the possibility of war in Iraq.

“The war in Iraq has already started,” he announced. “And if you notice, there are no real arguments being made against violence. You never have to give an argument against violence. But you always have to give one for it. Sept. 11 gave us an excuse, a pretext for something that was going to happen anyway. Obviously, we need a victory in the war on terror.”

After the event, attendees who didn’t have the bucks necessary to gain access to the reception gathered on the front steps of the church.

“I thought he was bleak,” said a young woman with blue hair and a nose ring.

“Are you going to Central Park on Sunday?” a skinny guy asked a chubby girl wearing big black boots. He was referring to the anti-war rally in New York City planned for last weekend. “I got arrested in D.C. last week,” she informed him. “I don’t know. Might have to hold off for a week or two.”

When Chomsky speaks, people listen. But when Chomsky speaks, sometimes he poses more questions than he answers. Unfortunately, efforts to interview Chomsky were squashed by event organizers.

“Sorry, but the press has to pay $50 to get into the reception. After all, this is a benefit,” said organizer Inja Coates, denying City Paper access to Chomsky. Later, in a phone call, Coates added that Chomsky had indicated to the organizers that he didn’t want to speak to the press.

So once again, Noam Chomsky, loved by some, understood by less, would not have a fresh, unrehearsed quote in a newspaper this week. Ever heard of a self-fulfilling prophecy?

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