Reply #34: All "theories" [View All]

[billh58]

require skepticism, regardless of where they originate, and whether they involve co-conspirators, or not. That is why they are called theories. I believe that conspiracy theories fall into two general categories: those with at least some basis in fact, and those which are wholly fabricated. The former has the better chance of eventually being exposed because there are actual witnesses, while the latter lacks any witnesses, or participants.

Covert, clandestine, and "secret" government operations (similar to those which you have pointed out) which are conducted under a conspiratorial cloak, in my estimation, fall into a category of their own, and don't qualify as simply wild-eyed speculation, nor are they technically theories. These types of operations have a way of eventually coming to light, for varied reasons, but mainly due to someone from the inside "blowing the whistle," and coming clean. I would classify backstreet whispers about these events as "open secrets."

Most Internet-inspired conspiracy theories, however, are formulated by people with absolutely no inside knowledge of the targeted events or actions, nor any expertise in the fields they weave conspiracies around, and are the result of speculation or willful misinformation.

And then, I will concede that there is the possibility of the "perfect conspiracy," where many suspect subterfuge, but can never prove it: the recorded pregnancy and subsequent live delivery by a virgin over 2000 years ago, and involving millions of co-conspirators, comes to mind. I won't even discuss the talking snake, or the Big Boat event which preceded the Bethlehem miracle.