I am obsessed with the ever-shifting conspiracy theory being created in real time to discredit the Mueller investigation, by Nunes, Meadows, K Strassel, Mollie Hemingway, et al.
1) What's the theory called? (eg, "QAnon.")
2) Who's got a good rundown of the state of play?
1) What's the theory called? (eg, "QAnon.")
2) Who's got a good rundown of the state of play?
Like all conspiracy theories, it:
A) Seeks evidence to prove an unshakeable point of faith (in this case, NO COLLUSION!)
B) Ignores/dismisses all contrary evidence
C) Makes ample use of "poisoned trees." If one element can be discredited, then the whole thing is invalid.
A) Seeks evidence to prove an unshakeable point of faith (in this case, NO COLLUSION!)
B) Ignores/dismisses all contrary evidence
C) Makes ample use of "poisoned trees." If one element can be discredited, then the whole thing is invalid.
D) If any contrary witness makes a minor mistake of fact or ethics, then anything from that person is discredited.
E) Anybody attacking the conspiracy theory is part of the conspiracy (Cabal of FBI/CIA/Dems/Liberal Media!)
F) Memory-holes any prior claims if discredited
E) Anybody attacking the conspiracy theory is part of the conspiracy (Cabal of FBI/CIA/Dems/Liberal Media!)
F) Memory-holes any prior claims if discredited
I have been fascinated by conspiracy theories since researching/writing a play about Holocaust denial, which is a prime example of all the above. The irony here is that these conspiracy theories are protecting an actual conspiracy.
As if in answer to my plea, Ben Weingarten of the Federalist provides a nifty little primer. Doesn't hit all the points - no "dirty dossier" -- but lots of them. thefederalist.com/2018/12/17/inc…
