Understanding Democracy and Social Issues

Noam Chomsky discusses various topics including Obama's policies, the influence of corporate interests on American democracy, healthcare costs, and economic challenges. He also explores the emergence and diversity of languages, reflecting on personal ethical decisions and activism. Chomsky critiques the democratic deficit in the US, highlighting the gap between public policy and opinion, and the role of corporate financing in elections.

What was one of the commendable actions taken by Obama compared to Bush?

• Imposing harsher conditions on Cuba

• Withdrawing some of Bush's extreme positions

• Increasing nuclear weapons

• Supporting preventive detention

How are candidates vetted in the U.S. according to the speaker?

• By corporate interests

• By the Supreme Court

• By the Guardian Council

• By public opinion

What is the impact of corporate interests on U.S. elections?

• They ensure fair elections

• They have no impact

• They heavily influence election outcomes

• They are regulated by the government

What is a major issue with the democratic system in the U.S.?

• Excessive public participation

• High voter turnout

• Alignment of public policy with public opinion

• A significant democratic deficit

What was Madison's view on who should set policy?

• The military

• The general public

• The international community

• The wealth of the nation

What is a significant problem with the U.S. healthcare system according to the speaker?

• It is twice as expensive as comparable countries

• It has the best outcomes

• It is fully government-funded

• It is the cheapest among industrial countries

What is the speaker's opinion on the role of the public in democracy?

• The public should be decision-makers

• The public should be spectators

• The public should be uninformed

• The public should be active participants

What is the speaker's view on the emergence of languages?

• Languages have always existed

• Languages emerged suddenly in evolutionary history

• Languages are a recent development in the last 10,000 years

• Languages are fundamentally different across cultures

What ethical dilemma did the speaker face in the 1960s?

• Whether to support the Vietnam War

• Whether to become active in social issues or focus on intellectual work

• Whether to move to another country

• Whether to run for political office

What is the speaker's view on the diversity of languages?

• It is a recent phenomenon

• It is unique to each culture

• It is superficial and minor

• It is fundamental and significant