Famed linguist and political activist Dr. Noam Chomsky packed the Anderson Center at Binghamton University on Saturday night when he came to deliver his speech, entitled “Imminent Crises: Paths Toward Solution.”
Chomsky, 77, is a professor of linguistics at MIT and is well-known for his often controversial views and criticisms of the United States’ domestic and foreign policies. He discussed two main concerns, both of which he called “literally, matters of survival:” the dual threats of nuclear war and environmental disaster.
He also spoke about his concern that the US government may be increasing the threat of nuclear war and the destruction of the environment, as well as what he called the “very visible decline of functioning democracy” in this country.
Chomsky warned of “an Armageddon of our own making” unless nuclear proliferation is stopped. He also spoke of the likelihood of both nuclear and “dirty bomb” attacks and the increased nuclear capacity of countries like Russia, China, India, Pakistan and Iran.
Chomsky also talked at length about the increasing integrations of Asian and Latin American countries, which he said could mean that the US would lose control over its oil resources. He cited Venezuela’s oil dealings with China and its purchase of Argentina’s debt as recent examples of how many countries are trying to “reduce … dependence on the hostile American government.”
“Latin America is moving toward closer integration outside of Washington,” he said.
Chomsky also spoke about the recent presidential elections in Bolivia, in which Evo Morales, who firmly supports the increase of coca production, was democratically elected.
“There’s no reason why the United States cannot be as democratic as the poorest country in South America,” Chomsky said.
He also described the role of advertising in turning the American voter into an “irrational consumer making uninformed choices.”
“Candidates are treated as commodities,“ he said. “They are packaged and marketed like toothpaste.”
The speech was part of a series of events to commemorate the third anniversary of the war in Iraq, and the audience was urged to attend a protest against the war on March 19 in downtown Binghamton.
Amid applause, Chomsky noted that one of the main catalysts for the occupation of Iraq was the desire for oil.
“You’re supposed to believe that Bush and Blair would have liberated Iraq even if its exports were lettuce and pickles,” he said.
Regarding a solution, Chomsky noted that it is completely up to Iraqis to determine what will become of their country, and expressed his hope that the forces will make reparations to Iraq once they have left, and that they will obey the population’s wishes.
“Invading armies have no rights whatsoever, they only have responsibilities,” he said.
During the question and answer section, Chomsky was asked what undergraduate students could do to make a difference in society. In response, Chomsky again cited the Bolivian elections.
“The Bolivian peasants don’t ask, ‘What can I do?’ They go ahead and do it.”
Ironically, while Chomsky was explaining that “constant engagement” is what typically brings about change in government, many members of the audience started to leave.
Chomsky’s first appearance at BU drew a crowd that completely filled the 1,170-seat Osterhout Theater, with several dozens of people standing around the room, and many more turned away because of a lack of space. An adjacent theater, where his speech was being broadcast, held another 500 people. Chomsky’s presentation appealed to a wide audience, as is it was televised and a visible majority of the audience was from the surrounding area. Many anti-war and pro-democracy local groups took the opportunity to promote their causes and gather support.
Jason Wang, an undergraduate student at John Jay College, traveled to Binghamton from New York City to see the famous professor speak.
“It is hard to find such in-depth analysis of the world,” he said, “and with people like Mr. Chomsky able to provide a plethora of information and an intriguing thesis to follow, he is one that will always raise debates and extend our critical analysis to higher levels.”
The event, which was free and open to the public, was sponsored by Jean-Pierre Mileur, dean of Harpur College, and many student groups — including the Latin American Student Union, Students for Peace and Justice, the Black Student Union, the Women’s Center and the Caribbean Student Association.