The United States: A Terrorist State

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, according to linguist Noam Chomsky, the government of the United States is a terrorist state because it participates in activities that (1) involve violent acts or endanger human life, which is a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or would be a criminal violation if committed within the jurisdiction of the United States or of any State and (2) appear to be intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion or to affect the conduct of a government by assassination or kidnapping. The author uses examples such as World War I, Vietnam, Indonesia, the U.S. involvement in Central America and Turkey receiving 80 percent of its arms from the U.S. to launch its counterinsurgency campaign. The paper relates that Chomsky uses his linguistic skills to indict the United States government for its use of constructed ideals to create the appearance of correctness for the crimes committed against humanity.

From the Paper:

"Chomsky voices his surprise that the September 11 events had a rather abrasive effect on the American people. Indeed, there is a tendency towards more critical consideration of issues that were previously accepted without question. These include the U.S. role in the Middle East and local issues relating to human rights and freedoms. The press of course is attempting to suppress this upsurge of protest by denying it. Chomsky however cites a variety of examples of demands for talks, the engagement of audiences and the sale of books promoting the idea that the government is engaging in terrorist activities that should be addressed if indeed the American way of life is to be preserved."

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