Noam Chomsky is the one person I can attribute to changing the direction of my life. He introduced me to the truth about international relations.

Before 9/11/01 I was basically clueless about how the world *really* works. I don't remember how, but I somehow stumbled upon Chomsky's work. I can't say I got instantly hooked. That doesn't happen when your world-view is questioned. But after studying things more carefully, I soon learnt to deeply appreciate his analyses and thoughts. I would love nothing more than to sit down with him and have a talk. Okay, that's not true. I'd love a fair world more.

I am now involved in the social justice movement, in the cancel the debt campaign (We have even gotten concrete results here in Norway). I most likely wouldn't be if it wasn't for Noam.

Last semester I was going to Palestine to study the conflict, and wrote an email to Noam asking for advice about contacts. I was stunned to see a reply within hours. The help I got was valuable - even though we had to re-direct our study to Syria due to the University closing all doors in front of us...

It is odd, that even after reading countless books and articles by Chomsky, I still learn something new in each article and book I read. The man is a walking encyclopaedia on world affairs.

Congratulations on your 80th birthday Noam. We salute you!

-Warm well-wishes from the cold winter in Norway.