Here's a debate for the ages. Both men are top-notch intellects but, not surprisingly, I give the victory to Buckley. Although at times, he seems genuinely flummoxed by Chomsky's vexing habit of morally equating Communist expansion with American foreign intervention. Was the Truman Doctrine, for instance, a mirror evil of Soviet expansion and imperialism? Regardless of which heavyweight you side with, I think everyone will agree that this kind of serious debate is sorely missing today, on the right and left. Even though it dates back to 1968, it remains perfectly relevant for today, in light of current global realities. Also on display here is Buckley's masterful employment of the English language...not bad for someone who picked it up as a third language, after Spanish and French.
Quote of the day: Regarding the Greek population's gratitude to US intervention that resulted in its liberation from Communism:
Buckley: "Even Papandreou, you like him I assume because he hates us."
Part I:
Part II:
this is exactly what I am referring to inmy comments below. And by the way, I think Chomsky wins this debate. Buckley seems completely frustrated.
ReplyDeleteUnderstandable frustration that one naturally endures when when arguing with a historical revisionist/romantic and someone who lacks any moral perspective, i.e. Chomsky. History has proven Buckley right. The debate antedates the full extent of Communist machinations in Asia and other parts of the world. What happened when the US disengaged from the situation in Asia: Human misery on an unprecedented scale throughout the entire region; millions of people were literally butchered. Where would you rather live: North or South Korea? People aren't starving to death in the South.
ReplyDeleteI wish the old 'Firing Line' shows were easier to get. This is a classic debate, although it does get kind of dificult to watch, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteOK--maybe I have a short attention span!
I admit that the format and setting of the debate is sort of a caricature of something you'd see at 3am on public television when you can't sleep...we just need some cigarette smoke circulating in the air.
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