I agree, that's the problem. What DOES his politics have to do with his job as a scientist? Nothing. If he wouldn't use his prestigious position as a scientist to promote his ranting political views, that would be OK. Instead, he trades on his legitimate success in his field to propagandize about other things and draw attention to his cause, except that his opinion is just that -- not the opinion of an expert or responsible authority in the political arena.

And yes, that's what's wrong with academia. Along with the "you're with me or else" mentality that Chomsky represents.

When I look around for "free-thinking" I certainly don't look to the American Left.