Those who have read my posts are probably surprised I would ask this question, but it is a question that I feel needs to be addressed.
(now, in order for this discussion to stay focused I politely ask that the skeptics of the skeptics, refrain from joining in. I respect your differing view points, but I think we can all agree that jumping into this conversation is a waste of time for everyone involved)
back to the topic at hand. many believe - as I once strongly did and at this point am unsure - that uncovering conspiracies is the 1st step towards peace. The thought is, if we can show Americans what their government has done that this will act as a catalyst and cause the people to act.
Now, ignoring for a moment just how difficult it can be to inspire people to look into the matter for themselves (which in my opinion is the only way. you cannot shove the truth down some ones throat. the fact is 9/11 is a huge complex issue and there is not a magic: sound bite, video clip or piece of information - that has the power to break through the denial barrier. A person must be humble and willing to face ugly truths and ultimately the choice is up to the individual to do so.)
Lets say, hypothetically, that the majority of americans were suddenly on the same page as the "tin foil hat wearing" skeptics. What then? would we take to the streets? would we set fire to gas stations? would we close our bank accounts? would we write scathing letters to the editor?
Well, one thing I'm sure we could all agree would happen - is that the people would demand heads roll,that the guilty be punished and severely at that. I can certainly attest that - as the reality of the situation started to sink in that my blood boiled. In fact, I don't believe Ghandi himself would be able to restrain himself from violence.
Before anything else happenned,people would want revenge. And correct me if I'm wrong, but did not this call for revenge get us into the mess we are currently in? I believe it was Fredrick Douglass who said, "uncovering a handful of corrupt men will not end a corrupt system."
I believe that these conspiracies are just symptoms of a much greater illness. I am not so naive to think that a governing system should be based on mans best virtues, but I also do not think - although it sure does sound great to say and makes being selfish so much easier - that personal vices yield public gain.
Yes, I am calling out capitalism, but hear me out. It is comforting for business grads to believe that - in the end - the market will solve everything, that the world is just a big business model with ill will towards competitors and jealousy aimed at those who are the most successful.
I once used to buy the idea that there exsisted a series of checks and balances that kept corruption in check. The main check being the press, but what happens when the very people we as citizens should be keeping an eye on - own and operate the media?
Sadly, I think we have our answer.
If power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, then what would make you and I any different? I hate to admit it, but I think if I had absolute power, I would probably become a real asshole.
So, is this just human nature? IS tyranny always a matter of top down or isn't it also bottom up. Doesn't man crave a father figure - some one to lead them and tell them everythings going to be allright?
Perhaps those who are skeptical of the skeptics are unwittingly on the right track. As of right now, I have a lot of questions and no answers.