The last thing I'll EVER do [ second perhaps to an anal scene with Mr Marcus ], is defend William F Buckley. But I do think Chomsky was a little naive in his representation of the working class as mere innocent dupes to the military-industrial complex, and the mainstream press as its propaganda machine.
Chomsky does draw a fairly accurate picture of the global power structure. But ultimately, this structure doesn't emerge out of some calculated conspiracy, hatched behind closed doors... but out of the natural market forces of supply and demand, and cost v benefit. Ultimately, the balance of power will always rest with the masses. And if the "power" that our leaders have is ultimately contigent on the complacency of the masses, then to what degree can we claim that they're manipulating us, and not the reverse?

Cliff Robertson nailed it.