Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Chomsky on the election


Excerpt:
"To say it doesn't make any difference who wins is simply to express your contempt for the general population, because it does make a difference. A lot of what they say is correct. The two parties are effectively factions of one party, the Business party, but the factions are somewhat different. And as I mentioned, over time the differences show up in benefits, working conditions, wages, things that really matter to people. So yes, there's a difference. It's a narrow difference and the spectrum within the political system is well to the right of popular opinion. Incidentally the public is well aware of it. So 80% of the population say that the government is run by, I'm quoting, a few big interests looking out for themselves, not the population. And you can argue about the details, but the picture is essentially correct, and they don't like it. Nevertheless, there is some difference, and you have to make a choice. If you're in a swing state, you have to ask, is this difference enough for me to pick the lesser of the two evils, and there's nothing wrong with picking the lesser of two evils. The cliché makes it sound like you're doing something bad, but no, you're doing something good if you pick the lesser of two evils. So is it worth doing that, or is it worth trying to act to create a potential alternative? For example, should I vote Green, because maybe someday their party will be a real alternative? Should I express my disdain for the right wing orientation of both parties by not voting, or should I pick the lesser of the two evils, thereby helping people? OK, that's a decision people have to make."

No comments: