Noam Chomsky Statement Erased by Indymedia Ireland
Marcus Aurelius | 10.07.2007 01:33 | Anti-militarism | Indymedia | Terror War | London | World
Noam Chomsky's statement supporting Galway Alliance Against War in their efforts to protest against the Salthill (Galway) Airshow was erased more than once from Indymedia Ireland's website.
Noam Chomsky, internationally renowned American MIT linguist, philosopher and political activist, wrote specially to the Galway Alliance Against War to offer his support for the peace group’s opposition to the militarisation of the recent Salthill Air Show. Prof Chomsky’s statement reads:
"It is with deep regret that I learned that the Salthill Air Show is being converted into a thin cover for support for US-UK military operations,
particularly their aggression in Iraq. That murderous and destructive
invasion is a textbook example of the "supreme international crime," which
differs from other crimes in that it encompasses all of the evil that
follows, in the words of the Nuremberg Tribunal, which are unfortunately all
too appropriate. I hope, and trust, that the people of Ireland will resist
such efforts to draw Ireland into the wave of aggressive militarism that has
been responsible for indescribable horrors and poses a severe threat to
decent human survival."
Although covered by local Galway press, the Irish national media ignored the statement - as did Indymedia Ireland, who removed it more than once when it was posted and then removed all comments about its disappearance.
According to a GAAW spokesperson, the message of support from Noam Chomsky was “hugely significant. It gives our campaign for an end to the militarisation of the air show an important international dimension and an added gravitas. It shows that we are not alone in recognising that the participation of the US Thunderbirds and their ilk at the air show is only a means of condoning and colluding in the acts of terror being committed by these people in Iraq and other parts of the world.”
The recent airshow concluded ignominiously when a door from a RAF Merlin helicopter fell into the crowd, injuring three spectators. Galway City Council sponsored the airshow to the tune of €15,000. Among those who took part were the USAF Thunderbirds display group, whose aircraft can swiftly be converted for battle use. The Galway Alliance Against War held a demonstration at Spanish Arch, Galway, of poetry, music and some interesting speeches.
"It is with deep regret that I learned that the Salthill Air Show is being converted into a thin cover for support for US-UK military operations,
particularly their aggression in Iraq. That murderous and destructive
invasion is a textbook example of the "supreme international crime," which
differs from other crimes in that it encompasses all of the evil that
follows, in the words of the Nuremberg Tribunal, which are unfortunately all
too appropriate. I hope, and trust, that the people of Ireland will resist
such efforts to draw Ireland into the wave of aggressive militarism that has
been responsible for indescribable horrors and poses a severe threat to
decent human survival."
Although covered by local Galway press, the Irish national media ignored the statement - as did Indymedia Ireland, who removed it more than once when it was posted and then removed all comments about its disappearance.
According to a GAAW spokesperson, the message of support from Noam Chomsky was “hugely significant. It gives our campaign for an end to the militarisation of the air show an important international dimension and an added gravitas. It shows that we are not alone in recognising that the participation of the US Thunderbirds and their ilk at the air show is only a means of condoning and colluding in the acts of terror being committed by these people in Iraq and other parts of the world.”
The recent airshow concluded ignominiously when a door from a RAF Merlin helicopter fell into the crowd, injuring three spectators. Galway City Council sponsored the airshow to the tune of €15,000. Among those who took part were the USAF Thunderbirds display group, whose aircraft can swiftly be converted for battle use. The Galway Alliance Against War held a demonstration at Spanish Arch, Galway, of poetry, music and some interesting speeches.
Marcus Aurelius