World-renowned political analyst and dissident Noam Chomsky has never been a man shy about expressing his opinions. Personally, I find few occasions when I disagree with this learned man who often predicts history accurately.
Chomsky’s latest prediction is frightening, by also contains facts already exhibited by the Republican Party and its leader, Donald Trump. “If we were honest, we would say something that sounds utterly shocking and no doubt will be taken out of context and lead to hysteria on the part of the usual suspects,” Chomsky says, “but the fact of the matter is that today’s Republican Party qualify as candidates for the most dangerous organization in human history. Literally.”
Chomsky accurately states that since the Reagan presidency, both Democrats and Republicans have moved to the right. The GOP has reached extremes unimagined by Reagan and even those considered radical in the past such as Barry Goldwater. As Democrats have become less liberal-minded and Republicans have become obstructionists, the American people have suffered as progress slowed.
Chomsky claims that comparing the policies of Reagan and George H.W. Bush with those of today’s Democrats there is virtually no difference. Today’s Republicans would label Reagan a liberal.
His greatest fear is the Republican’s denial of climate change, and its attitude regarding nuclear war.
Chomsky rightfully states that climate change is the greatest danger to the future of our planet, but Republicans are the only group in the developed world to refuse that its existence is caused by man. “Let’s race to the precipice. Let’s make sure that our grandchildren have the worst possible life.”
On nuclear war, “they’re calling for increased militarization. It’s already way too high, more than half the discretionary budget. ‘Let’s shoot it up.’ They cut back other resources by cutting back taxes on the rich, so there’s nothing left. There’s been nothing this — literally, this dangerous, if you think about it, to the species, really, ever. We should face that.”
The standard-bearer for Republicans, Donald Trump, denies climate change, but more importantly advocates nuclear weapons for virtually any nation who wishes to have them. This is the man who wants to lead our nation, but he would lead it to its ultimate destruction.
The move to the far right by Republicans is reactionary, not conservative as claimed by the right wing. The label ‘conservative’ now applies to extremists within the party. The TEA Party, or ‘Freedom Caucus,’ whatever they call themselves today, has been allowed to change the direction of the once Grand Old Party. The result is gridlock and the end of democracy.
Throughout the Republican debates the candidates claimed that ISIS is the greatest danger to the world. The denial of the facts is unforgivable. Climate change is upon us and will become irreversible in less than 50 years.
So, why do Republicans choose to ignore the scientific facts? Follow the money. Their owners, the one-percent, are the biggest polluters on the planet. Their waste and use of fossil fuels to operate their facilities has been protected by GOP politicians for decades. They seek the elimination of the Environmental Protection Agency which would allow even more destructive policies.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
Photo Courtesy of Andrew Rusk
The Truth With No Restrictions 