Which is why I was wondering what he meant, too. He bugs me, as he makes some sweeping statement, then doesn't explain himself.

Reminds me of some people here.

Main Entry: fun·da·men·tal·ism
Function: noun
Date: 1922
1 a often capitalized : a movement in 20th century Protestantism emphasizing the literally interpreted Bible as fundamental to Christian life and teaching b : the beliefs of this movement c : adherence to such beliefs
2 : a movement or attitude stressing strict and literal adherence to a set of basic principles


Main Entry: fa·nat·ic
Variant(s): or fa·nat·i·cal /-ti-k&l/
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin fanaticus inspired by a deity, frenzied, from fanum temple
Date: 1550
: marked by excessive enthusiasm and often intense uncritical devotion <they're fanatic about politics>

I believe that you can have fanatical fundamentalists, whereas Chomsky is simply stating that the majority of people in the US are fundamentalists. Look at all the movements against drugs, fire arms, and "obscene" materials in an effort to protect children. But just about anyone who follows a set of principles could be called fundamentalist. The Aes Sedai from WoT with thier three oaths. The Da'shain Aiel with thier oath to follow the way of the leaf, as well as the Tinkers in contemporary WoT. Even Lan is fundamentalistic in that he has sworn an oath to fight against the Blight.