Noam Chomsky applauds Senator Gravel's past and present accomplishments

by Elizabeth Cable [courtesy of Blog for America]

A statement, purportedly from the great Noam Chomsky himself, was recently issued on the front page of Former Alaskan Senator and current Presidential candidate Mike Gravel's official campaign website. The statement applauds Gravel's accomplishments, and it reads as such:

"Alone among members of Congress, Senator Mike Gravel had the courage to take a stand that not only helped bring the atrocious Indochina wars to an end, but also made a great contribution to breaking the wall of secrecy that governments erect to protect themselves from their own citizens. I am of course referring to his release of the Pentagon Papers, properly called "the Gravel edition," which provided the public with a unique opportunity to become educated about affairs of state.  

In the years since, Gravel has continued to show the same moral integrity and courage, particularly with regard to war and aggression, the severe threat of nuclear war, the destructive impact of the military-industrial complex on American democracy, and the programs of aggressive militarism that have led even Europeans to rank the US as the greatest threat to world peace, far above Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, or other states assigned this role in the US doctrinal system. It may be that these consistent and honorable commitments are responsible for his being largely excluded from the media, even from presidential debates. And the same integrity and courage should be an inspiration for people who care about their country, the fate of its people, and its role in the world.

Noam Chomsky"

End of statement. It is likely that Chomsky did issue, personally, this statement about Gravel and his campaign. I say this because Chomsky edited and annotated the "Gravel Edition Pentagon Papers", and so he probably knows Gravel well and is aware of his accomplishments. But what is the importance of this statement, and what are its implications? Chomsky is an important figure in America and around the world. Will this praise from Chomsky help Senator Gravel in his campaign for the Presidency, and help him get votes in the New Hampshire Primary?