Noam Chomsky: ‘Okinawans have every right to seek a future’

Noam Chomsky: 'Okinawans have every right to seek a future'

Linguist and philosopher Noam Chomsky


January 17, 2014 Ryukyu Shimpo

Linguist Noam Chomsky, a leading international scholar, peace advocate and artist who released a statement opposing the construction of a new US military base within Okinawa, contributed a message to the Ryukyu Shimpo on January 16. The author and activist commented in his message: “They [Okinawans] have every right to seek a future in which they will be the masters of their own fate, not sacrificed in the interests of others, a future in which they will be able to make their own independent and valuable contribution to bringing about a more just and peaceful world.”

People in many parts of the world reacted favorably to the statement supporting the Okinawan struggle. The international media, including the RT (a worldwide Russian TV network), reported the statement.

Chomsky is a linguistics professor who is outspoken in his criticism of U.S. foreign policy, which he characterizes as hegemonic. He is an influential author of works dealing with social issues and politics and was selected among the world’s top public intellectuals in 2005.

Referring to the statement, he said, “I was pleased to be invited to participate in the international campaign to support the courageous struggle of the people of Okinawa to free themselves from the US military bases, which impose the severe burden of military occupation, harm the lives of the population and the environment, and constantly carry great dangers.” He will pay attention to the Okinawa problem.

The 29 initial signers of the statement include Academy Award-winning filmmaker Oliver Stone and Mairead Maguire, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work for peace and a nonviolent solution to the conflict in Northern Ireland, as well as Chomsky.

(English translation by T&CT)

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