Noam

Happy 80th birthday!

I bumped into Tony Benn at a railway station earlier this year (on his way back from the Hay on Wye festival), and reminded him that a few years ago I sent him your review article of Reihhold Niebuhr's main books (Neibuhr was a family friend of the Benn family). It turned out he was due to do a broadcast the following day with you.

Tony Benn has written extensive diaries and therefore doesn't need to write an autobiography. But I really think you need to follow in Bertrand Russell's footsteps (as you have in so many other ways) and produce a late classic. Though Russell waited until he was 94, and we are bit more impatient than that.

I know you've got a thing about "personalities", but I think that book would be at least as important as any of your others.

After 20 years of banging on to my father (now 78) he eventually read one of your books (Hegemony or Survival) and now gets the point!

Best wishes

Gerard Watson

Maximum respect, Mr Chomsky! What greater tribute could we pay than naming our band Chomsky Allstars? (All you curious Noamsters can catch us at www.myspace.com/chomskyallstars)

Like most people, I can't remember how I first stumbled across Chomskys work, but I know my life is infinity better having done so.
So Noam, thanks. You are a constant reminder of the intrinsic good in people and a reason to hope in these dark times.

Happy Birthday

Dave

I am a child of the sixties – but unbelievably have never taken a mind altering drug. But then, I have read Chomsky – so I know all about getting ‘high’!
Better than any alleged reservation in heaven you, dear Prof. have a place here and now in every thinking person’s heart and head.
May you stay here with us and continue writing and inspiring us for many more years.
Have a great birthday.

My very best wishes
Roshan

Noam Chomsky has been an enormous influence on
my life since my very first year at Oxford University. He has inspired me to employ
critical thought in a way which has truly transformed and enriched my life. He is a model
of intellectual duty, courage and independence, and a gleaming beacon in a sea of lies. Happy
birthday!

Tony Benn once said "The people who are remembered are the teachers. Many people go through life with a little torch illuminating their feet, but the teacher sends up a pyrotechnic which, just for a second, illuminates the whole landscape." This beautiful and evocative quote captures the essence of Chomsky and the effect that he has had on me, and countless others, throughout his life. It is no exaggeration to say that Chomsky profoundly influenced my intellectual and political development, and for that I am truly thankful.

In a time of neo-liberalising education systems the fact that Noam keeps going is profoundly inspiring. The clear powerful analysis of actual power, leading by example and commitment, means that even in the depths of management hostility and indifference, especially in the university system, one can see what is possible and what it means to take responsibly. He shows that one can refuse the infantilising mechanisms that reduce everything to soap powder. The world would be a much worse place without Noam, and the many who have been inspired by him.

I find there are only a few prominent, general intellectual figures - maybe 5 or 6 - whose views, on issue after issue over time, shine through the fog, and accord with what I am thinking but am unable to express. Of those, your voice is the clearest. The highest complement I can give is to say that I trust you. I do so because time after time you have shown an unswerving fidelity to the values that I live by as a human being. You are a beacon.

Thank you for your commitment to the truth.

Noam is particularly courageous speaking out in the US - as he acknowledges the power the States exerts in the world - why hasn't the CIA 'disposed' of this security threat, as they would see it? Is it precisely because of the complacency of the ruling class? They can't be challenged?

Thanks for being there - a voice of reason to hold back the forces of barbarism. There's a couple of lines in a Brecht play:
"Pity the country that has no heroes."
"No! Pity the country that needs to have heroes."
You are unwilling to be cast as a hero by us. Unfortunately the times have made it necessary for that role to be placed upon you. One day, I hope to feel just plain admiration and gratitude. Best wishes and Happy Birthday!

Thanks for doing so much to help me see the world as it really is.
And thank you for doing so much to change the world, you're such a heroically admirable man.

Happy birthday, Noam!

Happy Birthday!

Thankyou for all your work.

I wish you a happy Birthday Noam and thank you for your insightful political/social analysis of important events and issues.

Myself and friends found your writings when we were first becoming politically active and trying to find our way within the so called left. Reading the book " Understanding Power " was something of a life changing experiance, and led to moving on from the hirarcical and often opportunistic politics of the UK Socialist Workers Party to genuine grass roots initiatives with anarchist modes of organization.
Reading Noam has given much inspiration, especially when he draws attention to the impoverished people in the countries struggling against much harsher conditions that the privliged in the industrialised countries. How there people are able to construct for themselves a civil society is impressive and something for us to learn from.

So thanks Noam for your compassion and intellect.
Have a great birthday with those you love.

Graham Bunn
UK

Happy Birthday Noam,
You are an inspiration to so many of us,
Thank you for your work.
Dan

Noam, thank you so much for the inspiration you have given to so many people worldwide.
Your relentless and invaluable political activism has inspired and educated generations of activists and intellectuals, both young and old, and your courage to speak out against injustice will be held as a shining example for future generations.
Thank you so much!