Skip to content

Suppose that the US really is trying to get rid of drugs…

“Suppose that the US really is trying to get rid of drugs in Colombia. Does Colombia then have the right to fumigate tobacco farms in Kentucky? They are producing a lethal substance far more dangerous than cocaine. More Colombians die from tobacco-related illnesses than Americans die from cocaine…” quote by Noam Chomsky
Download Open image
“Suppose that the US really is trying to get rid of drugs in Colombia. Does Colombia then have the right to fumigate tobacco farms in Kentucky? They are producing a lethal substance far more dangerous than cocaine. More Colombians die from tobacco-related illnesses than Americans die from cocaine. Of course, Colombia has no right to do that.”

Noam Chomsky

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He argues that Colombia lacks moral authority to target U.S. tobacco production, highlighting hypocrisy in drug enforcement.

In simple terms: Colombia cannot justify harming U.S. tobacco farms despite drug concerns.

Key Takeaway

Critically assess double standards in policy.

Themes

ethics policy hypocrisy

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

political ethical

When to use this quote

  • government policy
  • trade relations
  • public health campaigns
  • ethical debates

Key Concepts

international law public health drug enforcement

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who should enforce drug policies?
  • What are fair alternatives to punitive measures?
A Different Perspective

Complex global trade makes enforcement tricky.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Noam Chomsky

Explore all 2,129 Noam Chomsky quotes

More Cocaine quotes

Browse all 365 Cocaine quotes