Quote:
Originally posted by transplant99@Oct 2 2004, 07:45 PM
Quote:
|
I'm pretty sure he's regarded as THE guy in the field of linguistics,
|
Great...good for him. That means squat when it comes to his POLITICAL ramblings. Nothing at all.
He is a spin master, but a very good one, and there is nothing wrong with that. I am not doubting that he is likely the most accomplished guy in his field, and that is saying something. Doesnt mean his point of view is any more valid than anyone elses however.
I was looking for his official title and found it.
Institute Professor; Professor of Linguistics
Linguistic Theory, Syntax, Semantics, Philosophy of Language
Theory, syntax and semantics. Doesn't that SCREAM spin-master? Or a better way of putting it.... the guy is a master of saying the same thing a dozen different ways, or taking something and using language to change its meaning completely. Its a talent, but hardly a useful one in reality.
I bet Michael Moore reads this guys books religiously. Again, nothing wrong with that.
|
Interesting. I guess it depends on what your natural political bent is as to how you'd view him. Seeing as Chomsky basically has nothing to gain (except prestige, I suppose, but if that was his goal, why not mainstream it a bit?) I have a much easier time buying into what he says than a government bureaucrat, political appointee, politician, or media source.
Also, funny to see that you interpret his 'semantic' expertise as meaning he is a 'spinner'. I'd argue that his intense experience and education in 'spinning' is what makes him a fantastic source on identifying and uncovering government disingenuity or outright coverups (spin).
His piece on the Pentagon Papers is amazing, basically re-writes the history of the way the US conducted the Vietnam war.