Conspiracy Theories

I do not understand conspiracy theories.




Which may (or may not) sound weird, because some people seem to get the idea that I would be a conspiracy guy. I'm not sure where that would come from, outside the fact that I like to question how and why people think the way they do. But, whenever I'm outside the mainstream, my criticism is that the mainstream isn't being logical and rational. I wouldn't then go around believing extravagant stories which can not be substantiated by proof. I just dont see the basis for believing in something, even if I wanted to... if there is no rational tangible evidence. Especially the more grandiose (in scale) conspiracies like the American government being behind 9/11.

Let me only say this about the 9/11 conspiracy theories... and there are different versions... with different people orchestrating events. There are many reasons not to believe, but this is my biggest problem... not a single person leaked this MASSIVE conspiracy? Demolition experts, CIA agents, FBI agents, NSA agents, FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) executives, air traffic control, World Trade Center security, contractors, consultants... anyone inside the Bush administration... THEY ALL KEPT THE SECRET? Everyone? Not one person saw a memo or heard about the plan and thought:

"this is wrong, I need to talk to the New York Times"

So, no... I can not believe in grandiose conspiracies; they require too many people to do what does not seem to come natural... keeping secrets.

Now, I do believe in collusion. I believe most people have their own agendas... I believe people have plots and schemes. And usually not in the best interest of others. History is full of examples. Cigarette executives from all the major companies knew about the ill effects of nicotine years ago and PURPOSEFULLY hid this information from the public. That is a collusion. But to say the leader of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the President of the US, the leader of the European Union and the leader of the United Nations all kiss the ring of the Pope... that is a conspiracy.

Human beings are social creatures and will always cling to groups. Not being one myself, I dont really understand it, but perhaps it gives a person a stronger sense of purpose? Or maybe its a self-esteem boost: "they chose me!" Almost like kids longing to be part of the in crowd. But groups and social organizations dont stop with high school. They permeate college campuses as well as life after organized education... Freemasons, for example. And just like the people within them, groups have objectives and goals. That's not shocking. It would be shocking to find a group that meets regularly and has NO objective.

Just because someone was a member of Skull and Crossbones, at the age of 20, does not mean they are doing anything and everything for a fellow member 35 years later. If its someone who went to school 5 years prior or after, they wouldn't have even known each other. And just like with the 9/11 thing, just show me a memo... and then I will believe.

And thats the point to me... show me the proof. Dont assume. Human history is all about empirical evidence. Being able to prove and understand the world we live in. The cigarette industries collusions have been proven. Im sure there may have been people who always thought there were wrong doings in cigarette companies, but had no basis initially to believe them. But, is that part of the allure of a conspiracy theory? It can't be proven. It takes "keen deduction." You have to be able to see the unseeable. So, on one hand, I think it makes some people feel good... in the sense that, they are able to decipher what others can not. They know a conspiracy (by definition?) wont be provable, so its easy to believe.

"I can't prove it, dolt... I just said they're running a conspiracy. They're good at hiding proof! But they can't fool me"

I also think it allows people to find meaning in things which may have held little meaning before. The world makes more sense, ironically enough. There can be four or five individual situations, which most people would think have nothing to do with one another, and a conspiracy theorists will tie them together. For that type of theorist, it gives a certain level of peace to a ONCE chaotic world.

I think, for a different type of conspiracy theorists, the conspiracy absolves this person for any responsibility in his or her world. There is nothing he can do, so he wont even worry about it. There's a dark figure with a special ring somewhere, and he's calling all the shots. Everyone who tries to fight the system... or tries to keep up with events, they're just wasting their time... because this guy... who runs the Illuminati, he's calling all the shots.

Whereas, if there is no conspiracy, that person would feel guilty for not being "aware" of whats going on in society. But, since the game is fixed, he'll take that as solace, and choose not to be apart of it.

"Democrat, Republican... they're all working for the same guy in Rome."

And you can't discuss or debate with a conspiracy theorists, because his belief is not based on facts. The burden of proof is ironically on you. You have to prove to him, what he hasn't proved to you... is wrong.

"Disprove what I assume!"

Sorry conspiracy theory guy, my mindset is anathetical to your beliefs... we may be social creatures, but I have no interest in joining your social club.