Take note when opposites agree

Many people in the political mainstream will say, “Even a broken clock is right twice a day” when they discuss the viewpoints of left-leaning public intellectual Noam Chomsky. They will often say the same thing about Donald Trump, who is supported by the far right.

Chomsky and Trump agree on issues far less than twice a day, so it is certainly noteworthy when they achieve consensus.

When asked about the crisis in Ukraine and tensions between American allies and Russia, Chomsky recently stated that Trump is the only high-ranking American speaking sensibly about negotiating an agreement with Vladimir Putin and the Russians to end the fighting.

What Trump is proposing is not much different from what American president George Bush Sr. proposed to the Russians at the end of the Cold War.

Had Bush’s plan been followed, the well-being of our planet would not likely be in peril today.

Though many do not agree with the views of Chomsky, few would dispute that he is sincere and humble in his quest for truth. He is not afraid to challenge the popular narrative, and he will agree with a person on the other end of the political spectrum when he knows that they are right.

Though Trump is unorthodox, Chomsky notes that he proved himself to be an effective negotiator when he was president, most notably with Kim Jung-un of North Korea, thus significantly reducing the threat of nuclear war.

It is extremely difficult to find truth in the media during a time of armed conflict in the world, regardless of who is reporting.

However, when we hear experts on two opposing sides of the political spectrum challenging the popular narrative and speaking the same message, we need to sit up and listen.

For those of us living in North America, areas of armed conflict, starvation, and human devastation may seem very far away. The truth is, we are all neighbours on this beautiful planet, no matter where we live.

Everyone deserves to live in peace, and we know what is necessary to bring this about.

Now we just need to do it.