9-11

Chomsky does not share the mainstream views on the U. S. "war on terrorism." While he feels outraged by the World Trade Center attacks, Chomsky disagrees with and our governments decision to bomb the innocent, starving civilians of Afghanistan. Violence only results in more violence. Rather, using the Oklahoma City bombing as an analogy, he believes that the perpetrators of the 9-11 attacks should be identified, arrested, and brought to court for their crimes. Like me, many readers will be startled by Chomskys views. For instance, he repeatedly maintains that the U. S. is a leading terrorist country by pointing out that the U. S. is the only country to ever be found guilty of international terrorism by the World Court. Terrorism is wrong, he argues, regardless of who perpetrates it, and we should use 9-11 as an opportunity for insight. This book is recommended for anyone struggling to come to terms with September 11th.

G. Merritt

Chomsky writes at length about the plight of the innocent, war-torn Afghanis, and about the people of many other countries, like Nicaragua and Haiti, who have been victimized by US policies. Reading his account should give pause to Americans who may be swept up in patriotic flag-waving and the ill-considered, narrow rhetoric of Bush and his advisors like Rumsfeld.

Chomsky takes a world view and strives for an informed, balanced outlook. He writes of the extreme importance of not being intimidated or swayed by hysterical ranting or lies; to stay as closely as possible to the path of truth and honesty, and to acknowledge the human consequences of our acting, or failing to act.

This book is must-reading for all concerned Americans. Highly recommended.