Why people believe in conspiracy theories

[Bro. Curtis]

What else do I need to add? This is Dennis Prager. Have you ever heard his radio program?

No. This is really the first I've heard of him.

Remember this gem?

http://www.townhall.com/Columnists/...des_what_book_a_congressman_takes_his_oath_on

What could possibly be your problem with that article ?

I caught his show once, and he was praising the sanctity of marriage. Well, I suppose he should know: he has been married at least three times.

Regards,
BiR

That's pretty bad, but his article is on conspiracy theories, not marriage.

Any problems with this particular article, other than it's author ?

 

[mcdirector]

I haven't heard of him either. Next painting break, I'll check out the link.

 

[Baptist in Richmond]

What could possibly be your problem with that article ?

You're kidding, right?

From the aforementioned article:
First, it is an act of hubris that perfectly exemplifies multiculturalist activism -- my culture trumps America's culture. What Ellison and his Muslim and leftist supporters are saying is that it is of no consequence what America holds as its holiest book; all that matters is what any individual holds to be his holiest book.

That is pathetic. America does not have a "holiest book."

Further:

Forgive me, but America should not give a hoot what Keith Ellison's favorite book is. Insofar as a member of Congress taking an oath to serve America and uphold its values is concerned, America is interested in only one book, the Bible. If you are incapable of taking an oath on that book, don't serve in Congress. In your personal life, we will fight for your right to prefer any other book. We will even fight for your right to publish cartoons mocking our Bible. But, Mr. Ellison, America, not you, decides on what book its public servants take their oath.

Either Mr. Prager is being disingenuous, or he is woefully ignorant.

So why are we allowing Keith Ellison to do what no other member of Congress has ever done -- choose his own most revered book for his oath?

I am leaning towards woefully ignorant. The oath of office is not sworn on a Bible. Moreover, if Congressman Ellison does not believe that the Bible is the Word of God, exactly what is an oath sworn on it really worth?

This was a pathetic attempt to either get some attention (since he is up against Glenn Beck in his radio show's time slot) or he is attempting to fan the flames of xenophobia. Either way, it's shameless.

That's pretty bad, but his article is on conspiracy theories, not marriage.

His opinion on conspiracy theories is as pathetic as his spirited defense of marriage. Don't forget that your favorite heretic, Al Franken, has only been married once. He and Franni have been married since they graduated college.

Any problems with this particular article, other than it's author ?

Does it really shed any light on conspiracy theories? Did he do anything other than state things I have heard from others?

I consider Dennis Prager nothing but a minor-league player in the race to be the next Rush.

Regards, hope all is well,
BiR

 

[Bro. Curtis]

You're kidding, right?


That is pathetic. America does not have a "holiest book."

Further:


Either Mr. Prager is being disingenuous, or he is woefully ignorant.



I am leaning towards woefully ignorant. The oath of office is not sworn on a Bible. Moreover, if Congressman Ellison does not believe that the Bible is the Word of God, exactly what is an oath sworn on it really worth?

This was a pathetic attempt to either get some attention (since he is up against Glenn Beck in his radio show's time slot) or he is attempting to fan the flames of xenophobia. Either way, it's shameless.

Well I do like Glenn Beck, and I'm pretty sure Beck would agree with Prager, on this here. You may be correct on the meaninglessness of the oath, but America was founded as a Christian nation, and our oaths are taken on the bible. I have flip-flopped on this issue, I know, but did it before the article you posted.
[/quote]

His opinion on conspiracy theories is as pathetic as his spirited defense of marriage. Don't forget that your favorite heretic, Al Franken, has only been married once. He and Franni have been married since they graduated college.

Apparently, his wife doesn't read his books. Why does Al like to talk about his <edited - LE> I can't abide it. He's disgusting.

(Does it) really shed any light on conspiracy theories? Did he do anything other than state things I have heard from others?

I consider Dennis Prager nothing but a minor-league player in the race to be the next Rush.

Regards, hope all is well,
BiR

Well Prager should give up on that goal, but this article, and the one you referenced both make good sense, to me. And he stated stuff I haven't heard, even if you have. He's absolutely correct.

 

[Baptist in Richmond]

Well I do like Glenn Beck, and I'm pretty sure Beck would agree with Prager, on this here.

Glenn Beck is worse than Prager... much worse.

You may be correct on the meaninglessness of the oath, but America was founded as a Christian nation,

There is disagreement on this claim.

Apparently, his wife doesn't read his books. Why does Al like to talk about his <edited - LE> I can't abide it. He's disgusting.

I have all of his books. To which ones are you referring?

Well Prager should give up on that goal, but this article, and the one you referenced both make good sense, to me. And he stated stuff I haven't heard, even if you have. He's absolutely correct.

Nope, not even close.

But I am quite fond of you, Bro. Curtis, and I trust that all is well with you and your wonderful family.

Regards,
BiR

 

[Hope of Glory]

Are you suggersting that the hijackers pulled off a miracle shot into WTC-1, a miracle shot into WTC-2, a miracle non-shot into WTC-7, a miracle shot into the Pentagon (all within hours of each other) and God just didn't give them the miracle in Pennsylvania?

No, but I would suggest that the entire operation was a miracle shot. And, even at that, not everything went as planned. There was the plane that was brought down by passengers, other planes that were supposed to be hijacked, etc., that didn't happen.

Now, I don't think they'll have the chance for the miracle shot again. But, the damage has been done.

 

[Bro. Curtis]

Don't play dumb, you know Al Franken has a potty mouth. Even worse than Coulter. Why would he compare his <edited - LE> with Rush's ?

Anyways, typical liberal arguments, attack the writer, not the substance of his article. You have not addressed one sentence from the article.


I like you, too, BiR. I can't wait to get you out here.

Which reminds me, do you prefer your fishing with or without the threat of grizzly bear attack ?


Oh yeah, and Glenn Beck may be even better than Rush, he's not such a GOP suck-up, although Limbaugh has certainly been doing his share of blasting republicans, of late. (Lindsey Grahamnesty, LOL)

 

[Baptist in Richmond]

Don't play dumb, you know Al Franken has a potty mouth. Even worse than Coulter. Why would he compare his penis with Rush's ?

You said he mentioned it in his books (plural). Which other books does he do this?

Anyways, typical liberal arguments, attack the writer, not the substance of his article. You have not addressed one sentence from the article.

But I did address his complete and total lack of credibility.

I like you, too, BiR. I can't wait to get you out here.

Looking forward to that.

Which reminds me, do you prefer your fishing with or without the threat of grizzly bear attack ?

:laugh:
That made me laugh out loud....

Have I told you how much I enjoy going back and forth with you? I just love reading what you write, regardless of whether or not I agree with you.

BiR

 

[Bro. Curtis]

Like I said, back atcha. All the times I was in Virginia, we should have met, I saw Phil Keaggy in Hampton, many years ago. I've seen the Police at William & Mary, my daughter & I have hiked in the Shenandoah(I know I murdered the spelling), and was stationed in Norfolk for a few years.

And I'll go to the library, and pull some of those <edited - LE> quotes, if you really, really think that's necessary. Do you ?

And writing someone off as "no credibility" is an extremely poor debate tactic.

 

[poncho]

Slap yer mug up on here, and let us judge ! I bet you are cuter than me.:laugh:

I'm not saying there are no conspiracies. But for me, this 9/11 conspiracy is lunacy. And it has been completely debunked, with fact. That's what this article addresses.

Reason #5 is evident, here, a lot.

I've also noticed a very uncomfortable anti-Israel bias when it comes to most conspiracies. It seems like a democracy in that part of the world deserves our support.

Actually Bro Curtis the debunkers have been debunked using evidence. You can believe a 23 year old "expert" such as Ben Chertoff, cousin to Michael Chertoff has all the answers and ignore how David Ray Griffin (and others) totally destroys young Ben's PM hit piece(s) (doesn't even use references, just a banner page) and credibility if you want....that's cool. But tell me, where are all those "arabic names" on the flight manifests? Where's the evidence they were there at all? Why hasn't Bin Laden been indicted for the crime? Why does the FBI admit it has no hard evidence he was even involved? A magical indestructable ID card? Come on man. Who were the "inside traders"? Why did our own government ignore the warnings from other government intell agencies, and then plead ignorance and/or ineptitude? I can go on and on, but it seems like the only defense the believers of the "official conspiracy theory" can do is say anyone who questions that conspiracy theory is nuts for believing in conspiracy theories. If you believe the "official conspiracy theory" doesn't that make you a conspiracy theorist also?

It's one thing to have Israel as a friend and ally, it's quite another to act as their military strong arm and helping it to destabilze the middle east. Speaking of allies, why did they attack the USS Liberty? Give us your theory. My theory is that it was yet another false flag op to get the (population, citizens, taxpayers to support) United States military action against Egypt.

NEWSFLASH!

U.S. official Samarra attack may have been inside job
CNN Downplays Second-False Flag Bombing of Golden Mosque in Follow-up Story-- the Update Obscures the Previous 'Inside Job' Report by Replacing the Link & Killing the Story...SOURCE

COMMENT: Now CNN has changed the damning 'inside job' headline ( see SCREEN SHOT ) to a more disguised story that downplays significance. CNN replaced the link and effectively killed the story that this is the 2nd FALSE-FLAG bombing of the Golden mosque ( see Feb 2006 )-- one of Iraq's most holy places. Both were believed to have been carried out in part by Iraqi forces and directed by Western intelligence. Such self-inflicted violence is only used as a tool to enrage the opposition and further perpetuate the Iraq War. Of course, it just came out that the U.S. is arming Sunni insurgents 'to fight al-Qaeda'-- further evidence that the West seeks to extend the war. Naturally, the bombing has already led to retaliation-- a desired and planned response.

 

[poncho]

Likewise, given the vast amount of planning and implementation -- and the large number of people -- that would have been involved in arranging the 9/11 destruction of the World Trade Center towers and part of the Pentagon, not one person has come forward -- not one American or foreigner, not one leftist or rightist -- to reveal a U.S. government plot to murder thousands of Americans and bring down two of the tallest buildings in the world.

Only a small number of people at the top would be privy to the whole plan as in any covert operation. The rest would be compartmentalized, knowing and acting on only a small amount of information and undoubtedly filled with patriotic zeal and ambition. Hasn't any of these "debunkers" studied history at all?

Northwoods?

Gladio?

TPAJAX?

It wouldn't take the whole government to plan and execute such an operation, only a small element would be involved. How many were involved in the Iran Contra scandal? And of those involved who was promoted to higher office afterwards or in other words who was "rewarded" for breaking the law and why were they "rewarded" for breaking the law?

 

[JustChristian]

Most conspiracy theories are just another form of paranoia.

The good news?

It's treatable.

That's correct. It's treatable with the truth. Now, I'd like to hear the truth from GW.

 

[poncho]

The truth is rulers learned long ago that there is nothing like terrorism and the fear of the unkown to control populations and get unpopular (unconstitutional) policies passed without question.

 

[hillclimber1]

The conspiracy is from principalities and powers in high places. i.e. devil, demons and other evil entities.

 

[poncho]

The conspiracy is from principalities and powers in high places. i.e. devil, demons and other evil entities.

The truth is rulers learned long ago that there is nothing like terrorism and the fear of the unkown to control populations and get unpopular (unconstitutional) policies passed without question.

Meanwhile, taxpayers money is being used to arm fund and even train terrorists, "over there" while telling everyone we're fighting them, "over there". Gotta love those non sequiturs!

And, dictionaries...

principality

One entry found for principality.
Main Entry: prin·ci·pal·i·ty
Pronunciation: "prin(t)-s&-'pa-l&-tE

Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ties

1 a : the state, office, or authority of a prince b : the position or responsibilities of a principal (as of a school)
2 : the territory or jurisdiction of a prince : the country that gives title to a prince
3 plural : an order of angels -- see [SIZE=-1]CELESTIAL HIERARCHY[/SIZE]





Main Entry: 1pow·er
Pronunciation: 'pau(-&)r
Function: noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French poer, pouer, from poer to be able, from Vulgar Latin *potEre, alteration of Latin posse -- more at [SIZE=-1]POTENT[/SIZE]
1 a (1) : ability to act or produce an effect (2) : ability to get extra-base hits (3) : capacity for being acted upon or undergoing an effect b : legal or official authority, capacity, or right
2 a : possession of control, authority, or influence over others b : one having such power; specifically : a sovereign state c : a controlling group : [SIZE=-1]ESTABLISHMENT[/SIZE] -- often used in the phrase the powers that be d archaic : a force of armed men e chiefly dialect : a large number or quantity
3 a : physical might b : mental or moral efficacy c : political control or influence
4 plural : an order of angels -- see [SIZE=-1]CELESTIAL HIERARCHY[/SIZE]
5 a : the number of times as indicated by an exponent that a number occurs as a factor in a product <5 to the third power is 125>; also : the product itself <8 is a power of 2> b : [SIZE=-1]CARDINAL NUMBER [/SIZE]2
6 a : a source or means of supplying energy; especially : [SIZE=-1]ELECTRICITY[/SIZE] b : [SIZE=-1]MOTIVE POWER[/SIZE] c : the time rate at which work is done or energy emitted or transferred
7 : [SIZE=-1]MAGNIFICATION [/SIZE]2b
8 : 1[SIZE=-1]SCOPE [/SIZE]3
9 : the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis in a statistical test when a particular alternative hypothesis happens to be true
synonyms [SIZE=-1]POWER[/SIZE], [SIZE=-1][SIZE=-1]AUTHORITY[/SIZE], [SIZE=-1]JURISDICTION[/SIZE], [SIZE=-1]CONTROL[/SIZE], [SIZE=-1]COMMAND[/SIZE], [SIZE=-1]SWAY[/SIZE], [SIZE=-1]DOMINION[/SIZE][/SIZE] mean the right to govern or rule or determine. [SIZE=-1]POWER[/SIZE] implies possession of ability to wield force, permissive authority, or substantial influence <the power to mold public opinion>. [SIZE=-1]AUTHORITY[/SIZE] implies the granting of power for a specific purpose within specified limits <gave her attorney the authority to manage her estate>. [SIZE=-1]JURISDICTION[/SIZE] applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits <the bureau having jurisdiction over alcohol and firearms>. [SIZE=-1]CONTROL[/SIZE] stresses the power to direct and restrain <you are responsible for the students under your control>. [SIZE=-1]COMMAND[/SIZE] implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience <the army officer in command>. [SIZE=-1]SWAY[/SIZE] suggests the extent or scope of exercised power or influence <an empire that extended its sway over the known world>. [SIZE=-1]DOMINION[/SIZE] stresses sovereign power or supreme authority <given dominion over all the animals>.
synonyms [SIZE=-1]POWER[/SIZE], [SIZE=-1][SIZE=-1]FORCE[/SIZE], [SIZE=-1]ENERGY[/SIZE], [SIZE=-1]STRENGTH[/SIZE], [SIZE=-1]MIGHT[/SIZE][/SIZE] mean the ability to exert effort. [SIZE=-1]POWER[/SIZE] may imply latent or exerted physical, mental, or spiritual ability to act or be acted upon <the awesome power of flowing water>. [SIZE=-1]FORCE[/SIZE] implies the actual effective exercise of power <used enough force to push the door open>. [SIZE=-1]ENERGY[/SIZE] applies to power expended or capable of being transformed into work <a worker with boundless energy>. [SIZE=-1]STRENGTH[/SIZE] applies to the quality or property of a person or thing that makes possible the exertion of force or the withstanding of strain, pressure, or attack <use weight training to build your strength>. [SIZE=-1]MIGHT[/SIZE] implies great or overwhelming power or strength <the belief that might makes right>.

Merriam Webster

The correct meaning of words is important...doncha think? Looks like principalities and powers in high places refers to "princes" or governmental authority figures and the state, not demons and hobgoblins. Guess that means we fight evil by voting for the lesser of two evils, either way your supporting evil, a good Christian doctrine, eh?

 

[IronWill]

principality

One entry found for principality.
Main Entry: prin·ci·pal·i·ty
Pronunciation: "prin(t)-s&-'pa-l&-tE

Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ties

1 a : the state, office, or authority of a prince b : the position or responsibilities of a principal (as of a school)
2 : the territory or jurisdiction of a prince : the country that gives title to a prince
3 plural : an order of angels -- see CELESTIAL HIERARCHY





Main Entry: 1pow·er
Pronunciation: 'pau(-&)r
Function: noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French poer, pouer, from poer to be able, from Vulgar Latin *potEre, alteration of Latin posse -- more at [SIZE=-1]POTENT[/SIZE]
1 a (1) : ability to act or produce an effect (2) : ability to get extra-base hits (3) : capacity for being acted upon or undergoing an effect b : legal or official authority, capacity, or right
2 a : possession of control, authority, or influence over others b : one having such power; specifically : a sovereign state c : a controlling group : [SIZE=-1]ESTABLISHMENT[/SIZE] -- often used in the phrase the powers that be d archaic : a force of armed men e chiefly dialect : a large number or quantity
3 a : physical might b : mental or moral efficacy c : political control or influence
4 plural : an order of angels -- see CELESTIAL HIERARCHY
5 a : the number of times as indicated by an exponent that a number occurs as a factor in a product <5 to the third power is 125>; also : the product itself <8 is a power of 2> b : [SIZE=-1]CARDINAL NUMBER [/SIZE]2
6 a : a source or means of supplying energy; especially : [SIZE=-1]ELECTRICITY[/SIZE] b : [SIZE=-1]MOTIVE POWER[/SIZE] c : the time rate at which work is done or energy emitted or transferred
7 : [SIZE=-1]MAGNIFICATION [/SIZE]2b
8 : 1[SIZE=-1]SCOPE [/SIZE]3
9 : the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis in a statistical test when a particular alternative hypothesis happens to be true
synonyms [SIZE=-1]POWER[/SIZE], [SIZE=-1][SIZE=-1]AUTHORITY[/SIZE], [SIZE=-1]JURISDICTION[/SIZE], [SIZE=-1]CONTROL[/SIZE], [SIZE=-1]COMMAND[/SIZE], [SIZE=-1]SWAY[/SIZE], [SIZE=-1]DOMINION[/SIZE][/SIZE] mean the right to govern or rule or determine. [SIZE=-1]POWER[/SIZE] implies possession of ability to wield force, permissive authority, or substantial influence <the power to mold public opinion>. [SIZE=-1]AUTHORITY[/SIZE] implies the granting of power for a specific purpose within specified limits <gave her attorney the authority to manage her estate>. [SIZE=-1]JURISDICTION[/SIZE] applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits <the bureau having jurisdiction over alcohol and firearms>. [SIZE=-1]CONTROL[/SIZE] stresses the power to direct and restrain <you are responsible for the students under your control>. [SIZE=-1]COMMAND[/SIZE] implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience <the army officer in command>. [SIZE=-1]SWAY[/SIZE] suggests the extent or scope of exercised power or influence <an empire that extended its sway over the known world>. [SIZE=-1]DOMINION[/SIZE] stresses sovereign power or supreme authority <given dominion over all the animals>.
synonyms [SIZE=-1]POWER[/SIZE], [SIZE=-1][SIZE=-1]FORCE[/SIZE], [SIZE=-1]ENERGY[/SIZE], [SIZE=-1]STRENGTH[/SIZE], [SIZE=-1]MIGHT[/SIZE][/SIZE] mean the ability to exert effort. [SIZE=-1]POWER[/SIZE] may imply latent or exerted physical, mental, or spiritual ability to act or be acted upon <the awesome power of flowing water>. [SIZE=-1]FORCE[/SIZE] implies the actual effective exercise of power <used enough force to push the door open>. [SIZE=-1]ENERGY[/SIZE] applies to power expended or capable of being transformed into work <a worker with boundless energy>. [SIZE=-1]STRENGTH[/SIZE] applies to the quality or property of a person or thing that makes possible the exertion of force or the withstanding of strain, pressure, or attack <use weight training to build your strength>. [SIZE=-1]MIGHT[/SIZE] implies great or overwhelming power or strength <the belief that might makes right>.

Merriam Webster

The correct meaning of words is important...doncha think? Looks like principalities and powers in high places refers to "princes" or governmental authority figures and the state, not demons and hobgoblins. Guess that means we fight evil by voting for the lesser of two evils, either way your supporting evil, a good Christian doctrine, eh?

Also important would be the ability to read the very dictionaries we're quoting from.

 

[poncho]

Also important would be the ability to read the very dictionaries we're quoting from.

Oh yeah, thanks for reminding me, I forgot to include information about one of the global elites favorite summer activities...dressing up in black and red robes and kneeling before the Great Owl of Bohemia!

The rest of the time they're all good Christians though. Guess you could say "the devil made em do it".

 

[KenH]

I used to pooh-pooh a lot of what my friend poncho says but the more I learn I find that there is a large strand of truth running through what poncho passes along to the readers of this board.

Remember, the existence of the Bilderbergers used to be pooh-poohed - but not any longer.

 

[IronWill]

Oh yeah, thanks for reminding me, I forgot to include information about one of the global elites favorite summer activities...dressing up in black and red robes and kneeling before the Great Owl of Bohemia!

The rest of the time they're all good Christians though. Guess you could say "the devil made em do it".

Yeah, the "great owl of bohemia." An alleged false god that has no roots in any of the pagan cultures that it's alleged to have come from. Woohoo.

 

[JustChristian]

We landed on the moon 6 times between 1968 and 1972. Now we have to wait 'til 2020 to get there again? What the deal is?!?

I know, I know.... our government is more cost sensitive now.

The government cut way back on funding for the space program. This had two effects. Experienced engineers got laid off and the younger ones left for other opportunities. I know because I was there. With a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering I joined a NASA contractor in Huntsville in 1972. One Fri. in 1973 or 1974 (I forget) everyone lined up to their supervisors office and one out of three got a pink slip. Out of 5 experienced engineers in my group, 4 got fired. I was told I still had a job because I was young and cheap. Even though I was really gung ho, I left aerospace never to go back. I've had a 30 year engineering career in communications.

As far as manned travel is concerned the only game in town for a long time has been the Space Shuttle. That was in a fairly advanced stage of development 30 years ago. I worked on it as well as SkyLab, an early form of the Space Station. Our country's priority has been on weapons rather than space exploration.