-Caveat Lector-
TRIBUNE ARTICLE GETS IT RIGHT -- AND WRONG
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(CNNS, 02/12/99) -- An article by Eric Lipton on conspiracy
theories in the Feb. 10, 1999 issue of the Chicago Tribune gets
it right -- and wrong. ("Impeachment Spins Tangled Web Of
Conspiracy Theories," Tribune, 2/10/99.)
In general, Lipton provides fair coverage, but the very
generality of his coverage serves to ridicule the more probable
theories. This sort of technique is sometimes used, for example
when Debra von Trapp appeared on NBC's Dateline show but was
book-ended by pre- and post-segments featuring deranged types.
Obvious inference to general viewers: von Trapp is, by
association, herself deranged.
This deranged-by-association technique is used by Lipton in his
article. He mixes serious researchers and theorists with others
less grounded in reality. So, for example, he has a serious
researcher, Norman Olson, speculating that "Independent"
Prosecutor Ken Starr may be a tool, used to "create a diversion
away from real criminal behavior." But juxtaposed with Olson in
the article are people who wear aluminum foil helmets when they
watch television.
In covering Conspiracy Nation's theory of a Feminist Intelligence
Network (FIN), Lipton does not spell out the theory in full; he
leaves a crucial gap. Lipton gets it right as to Linda Tripp,
Lucianne Goldberg, and Monica Lewinsky being possible tools of
FIN. But he jumps from there to "Hillary supporting husband Bill
and keeping his poll numbers up." Left out is the CRUCIAL
ingredient of a possible "sting" operation having been conducted
by FIN, so as to show Bill Clinton their power and terrorize him.
By leaving out the crucial ingredient, Lipton ruins the cake.
But why be surprised? One of Sherman Skolnick's favorite jokes
is that he never reads fiction, except for the Chicago Tribune.
Stories dealing with Furbies and their menace were written
tongue-in-cheek by CNNS, and probably in the same vein by "Ru
Mills." Yet Furbie stories are also thrown into Lipton's
potpourri, as if seriously considered.
Lipton also dogmatically asserts that Wilhelm Reich's theory of
orgone energy has been "scientifically debunked." Many,
including this editor, believe otherwise. Lipton, in the same
paragraph, says that Reich's orgone energy theory "states that
through fluoride in water and toothpaste, American minds are
being manipulated..." This editor is not aware that Reich ever
connected his orgone energy theory with fluoride.
Overall, the article by Eric Lipton is an entertaining read and
provides light humor for an America in decline. In spite of its
flaws, this editor himself got a good laugh. To keep sane in
conspiracy research, a sense of humor is a big help.
--
CNNS (Conspiracy Nation News Service) is an INDEPENDENT news
outlet, not owned by anyone. (But of course, we would say that,
wouldn't we?) BEWARE THE CFR! BEWARE THE CIA! BEWARE THE KNIGHTS!
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screeds are not allowed. Substance—not soapboxing! These are sordid matters
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frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects
spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL
gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers;
be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and
nazi's need not apply.
Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector.
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