Modifying the core institutions of the society is no small challenge.

In the West, you don't get in any trouble if you tell the truth, but you still can't do it. Not only can't you tell the truth, you can't think the truth. It's just so deeply embedded, deeply instilled, that without any meaningful coercion it comes out the same way it does in a totalitarian state.

As to whether those who fit the common meaning of the term "intellectual" should act in the manner that [ Edward] Said prescribes, that's another question. Needless to say, I agree with him that they should, and that they commonly do not.

Half the population hold that the government is run by a few big interests looking out for themselves, as polls regularly show.

The Republican establishment, the mainstream corporate financial wealth, is getting to a point where it can't control the base it's mobilized.

Anything feasible and potentially effective should be explored.

The threat and use of violence is stimulating nuclear proliferation along with jihadi terrorism.