Skip to main content

There'll be worse crises than coronavirus if we leave our fate in the hands of ‘sociopathic buffoons,’ Chomsky warns

HUMANITY will face much greater horrors than the coronavirus pandemic if we continue to leave our fate in the hands of “sociopathic buffoons,” US dissident academic Noam Chomsky warned at the weekend. 

Speaking with Democracy in Europe Movement 2025 (DiEM25) co-founder Srecko Horvat on Saturday, the veteran left-wing political philosopher said we are racing to the edge of disasters far worse than anything that has happened in human history: nuclear war and global climate breakdown.  

“The coronavirus could have terrifying consequences, but there will be recovery,” said Chomsky, who is currently staying in isolation at his home in Arizona.

“The others there won’t be: it’s finished. If we don’t deal with them, we’re done.”

The anti-war activist blasted the US government for imposing further sanctions on Iran, which he said were “consciously designed openly to make them suffer” and to maximise pain.

“Cuba’s been suffering from [US sanctions] from the moment it gained independence. It’s astonishing that they’ve survived, that they’ve stayed resilient.

“One of the most ironic elements of today’s coronavirus crisis is that Cuba is helping Europe. 

“I mean this is so shocking that you don’t know how to describe it. Germany can’t help Greece: but Cuba can help European countries. 

“Just as when you see thousands of people dying in the Mediterranean, fleeing from countries Europe has devastated for centuries and being sent to their deaths in the Mediterranean, you don’t know what words to use. 

“The civilisational crisis in the West at this point is devastating to think about. And it does bring up childhood memories of listening to Hitler raving on the radio to raucous crowds adoring him at the Nuremberg rallies. 

“One begins to wonder if the species is even viable.”

Our only hope for overcoming these crises is to expand democracy, Chomsky said. 

“If we’re leaving our fate to sociopathic buffoons, we’re finished.

“An informed, engaged, involved public taking control of their fate — if that doesn’t happen, we’re doomed.

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 13,288
We need:£ 4,712
3 Days remaining
Donate today