This archive report was first published on 25 May 2020.
On May 25, 2020, renowned linguist and activist Noam Chomsky expressed his deep concern over the United States' handling of the coronavirus pandemic, describing it as 'chaotic' and 'fatally' ineffective.
Chomsky, who has authored over 100 books and is a professor at the University of Arizona, made these remarks in an interview with AFP.
'There's no coherent leadership,' Chomsky said. 'It's chaotic. The presidency, the White House, is in the hands of a sociopathic megalomaniac who's interested in nothing but his own power, electoral prospects -- doesn't care what happens to the country, the world.'
He further emphasized that the president's primary concern is maintaining the support of his wealthy and corporate constituency, rather than addressing the pandemic.
Chomsky also criticized the US government's decision to dismantle the pandemic prevention machinery, including defunding the Center for Disease Control and cancelling programs that worked with Chinese scientists to identify potential viruses.
He noted that the US is a privatized society with enormous advantages, but it's in the stranglehold of private control, lacking a universal healthcare system.
Chomsky also expressed concerns about the rise of digital surveillance, citing the development of technology that allows employers to monitor employees' computer screens and keystrokes.
He warned that this could lead to a loss of privacy and the creation of a surveillance state, similar to China's social credit system.
Chomsky emphasized that it's not inevitable and that people can stop it by taking action.
