Why do so many Demos believe in conspiracy theories?

[robini123]

Conspiracy theories are for those that refuse to acknowledge reality, and instead manufacture their own reality. I had one person tell me; if you dig deep enough you will always find what you are looking for. My thinking is; that you can look forever in an effort to find what does not exist… and you know what you will find? Nothing!

Why do the Democrats have an affinity for conspiracy theories? Why do we Republicans not buy into them? For me… I can’t get past a pesky little concept called “facts”, something conspiracy theories are loosely based on.

A conspiracy theory is nothing more than a collection of loosely strung together facts that are made to look nefarious.


What are your thoughts?

[AndJusticeForAll]

I don't think they are. I think that's a sterotype.

Those on the right think they already know everything there is to know and those on the left are willing to consider new and sometimes radical possibilities. That's my opinion in a nutshell, and should not be meant to imply that all those on either side can be characterized like this, just as I think it's not accurate to suggest that all Democrats are conspiracy nuts. Just look at the far right.

Conspiracy theories can be fun and if you think the government is telling you everything and you're unwilling to even consider the possibility that you either are or have been lied to, well, I don't know what to tell ya...

Now where is my tin foil helmet?

[robini123]

"I think it's not accurate to suggest that all Democrats are conspiracy nuts."

No... not all.

"Conspiracy theories can be fun and if you think the government is telling you everything and you're unwilling to even consider the possibility that you either are or have been lied to, well, I don't know what to tell ya..."

It's not that. If Bush lied then I need proof. If we went to war for oil then I need proof. If Bush went to war so his rich Saudi friends could get richer, I need proof. If there are WMD's in Iraq, then I need proof... Oops… wait a minute... there are no WMD's in Iraq... never mind that last one.

Question the government... yes... make baseless accusations...NO!

"Now where is my tin foil helmet?"

Sorry, can't help you there, I prefer Teflon helmets.

[AndJusticeForAll]

You might never get the proof you need to convince yourself that not all is as it seems but I'd still keep my mind open to the possibility that there is always more to the story. Lies of ommision are also lies.

For me this is the basis of critical thinking and the reason for always questioning authority. This is the most important thing anyone can learn in school, IMO.

Even though President Bush may have trouble with the saying, "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.", I don't.

[Betty Boop]

Robini - You and "slick Willie" sharing teflon so it all can slide off both of you? AJFA, I may be a Republican but I think I have a conspiracy theory for you concerning Robini and the former President to consider!

Seriously, I don't think one camp or the other buys into conspiracy theories better or more often. I think the whole premise of the jury system in American justice leans us as a people to consider many possibilities to derive truthful answers for situations we were not at or first-hand witness to. How the prosecutor strings "facts" and how a defense lawyer then rebuts and restrings, tells you this is how the American people are taught to think and consider. And sometimes, those restrings can become very conspiracy like when translated out of the courtroom into other arenas of American life.

[odannyboy]

Originally Posted by robini123

"I think it's not accurate to suggest that all Democrats are conspiracy nuts."

No... not all.

"Conspiracy theories can be fun and if you think the government is telling you everything and you're unwilling to even consider the possibility that you either are or have been lied to, well, I don't know what to tell ya..."

It's not that. If Bush lied then I need proof. If we went to war for oil then I need proof. If Bush went to war so his rich Saudi friends could get richer, I need proof. If there are WMD's in Iraq, then I need proof... Oops… wait a minute... there are no WMD's in Iraq... never mind that last one.

Question the government... yes... make baseless accusations...NO!

"Now where is my tin foil helmet?"

Sorry, can't help you there, I prefer Teflon helmets.

You are desperate to justify and legitimize things, so you resort to saying those who raise questions need tin foil hats and are into conspiracy theories.

[BrianK]

Originally Posted by odannyboy

You are desperate to justify and legitimize things, so you resort to saying those who raise questions need tin foil hats and are into conspiracy theories.

I've followed the thread & came to this conclusion. People read & interpret what they want. Conspiracy works much the same way. The good news is it generates thought.

The portion about the tin foil hat isn't new I've read that before by AJFA. AJFA mentioned the use in one of his 1st posts in this thread. I didn't read it when included by Robini as being demeaning, I read it as inclusive humor.

Questioning the why of anything whether in a group or individual thinking is one of the greatest freedoms we enjoy.