If you have say "I'm not sure what you mean" or if you have to ask "Skeptical of what?" then you are not in a position to respond.

The Interwebs are filled with wild eyed conspiracy theories. There are so many, and so hysterical, that I understand why you want to have nothing to do with conspiracy theories.

But let me say, respectfully, that sometimes conspiracies do exist. John Wilkes Booth did not act alone. He was one of about 12 in a complex conspiracy.

I won't make any claims of conspiracy regarding the two attempts on Trump's life. I can't name names. Or connect the dots. But I do suspect more than simple happenstance and coincidence.

I would speculate: "Because he has seen a lot of life, and things have rarely turned out the way others have predicted."

My position is that people should always be skeptical of information presented even if or, especially if from someone supposedly on your side.

The people who got caught up in the January 6 would have wished they heeded this instead of listening to plants, some of whom were called out just the day before.

A recent case in point is the story of Haitians eating pets. I've seen the thread here and videos on YouTube days before the debate. I tend to believe it but believing it does not affect any decisions I am making. But I could see that story, whether true or not, to be a psyops plant. Obviously, Trump saw it too and voiced it during the debate. The problem is whether true or not, the claim is so foreign and seemingly outlandish that the majority of people dismissed it. I suspect, like Hunter Biden's laptop, it will prove to be true in the months to come.

Having stated I am mostly skeptical, I still maintain a parking lot for outlandish ideas / conspiracy theories - Trilateral Commission, World Economic Forum, Hollywood Cabal, lizard people, etc. They are parked next door to such issues as free will vs predestination, etc. Topics that are interesting to consider but, pragmatically, has or should have no effect on how I operate in daily life.

quote:

Originally posted by justjoe:
But let me say, respectfully, that sometimes conspiracies do exist.

Do you take me for an idiot?

Para, I have been on this board so long that you know I don't take you for an idiot, but rather have the highest regard for you.

I clearly misunderstood your question.

Sorry.

Then, why did you feel the need to tell me that conspiracies exist, and then provide an example?

Because I thought you discounted the possibility that anything could be a conspiracy, as if any talk of a conspiracy is always ridiculous.

Because it has proven to be a successful strategy. How many times has the current shit show been altered, redacted, corrected, disputed? And that's by officialdom, forget about the inter web nutcases.

quote:

Originally posted by justjoe:
Because I thought you discounted the possibility that anything could be a conspiracy, as if any talk of a conspiracy is always ridiculous.

So, if someone had asked me to recount to the best of my knowledge the Lincoln assassination, you think I would leave out the part about all the conspirators? You know, the ones who were photographed hanging by the neck?

Conspiracy theories exist yes, as do facts, along with those that refuse to acknowledge facts, thus the only reason we have theories. Those people used to be called idiots until we lowered the collective IQ.

The only reason we have conspiracies is that there are those people who refuse to acknowledge facts?

Do I understand you correctly?

I hope not.

You've edited your post several times, Otto

I fear that this thread shan't survive.

I am thankful for a skeptic running the best damn discussion board on the internet. Consider if the opposite was true, and Para was a conspiracy nut. Think about it. I think many of us wouldn't still be coming here.

Ah, but it must, for it's potential for awesomeness and epic SigForum trainwreckery is legion!

This could be the modern equivalent of LBJ's miscreant hunt.

My wife calls me a skeptic, my children call me a skeptic, and my coworkers call me a skeptic, because I am a skeptic. Show me the facts. I'm skeptical of para being skeptical. I see him as calling a spade a spade until proven wrong.

quote:

Why is Para so skeptical?

Experience.

quote:

Originally posted by ArtieS:
trainwreckery

I've GOT to find a way to use that word at work tomorrow!

“Why is Para so skeptical?” Uh, ‘cause he is paying attention.

Why is Para so skeptical?