Noam Chomsky - Turning the Tide U.S. intervention in

The Challenge Ahead
2. The Opportunities for Constructive Action
2.1 The System of Control: its Points of Weakness
Classics in Politics: Turning the Tide Noam Chomsky
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I
n earlier chapters we have reviewed some of the achievements of the
revival of “conservatism,” Reagan-style, in foreign policy and national
security affairs, placing them in their historical context; we have now
considered some of the domestic results of the concerted campaign by
business sectors to reverse the advances of the preceding years in
economic welfare, civil rights, intellectual freedom, and democratic
politics. The Crisis of Democracy and related progress of the recent past
were taken quite seriously by those whose privilege was threatened, and
they have once again demonstrated their mastery of the machinery of
state in this impressive counterattack.
The weapons at the hands of the state managers and the closely
associated blocs of investors whose agendas determine “public debate”
are substantial and should not be underestimated. Some tend to
disparage the current wave of reactionary jingoism on grounds of its
intellectual bankruptcy and often sheer silliness, typified by the titular
leadership. That is a mistake; Tyrannosaurus also had a small brain, but
one wouldn’t want to get in its way. Furthermore, despite the choice of
political figurehead, there was nothing foolish—in short-run terms at
least—about the methods employed to restore domestic and
international order.
Nevertheless, despite the enormous power of the system of control
and coercion, it has notable points of weakness. There remains a strong
residue of resiliency and independent-mindedness on the part of much
of the population, and it is fortified by a tradition of individual civil