We live in strange times. In the 21st Century we have unimagined medical and technical advances while at the same time more credence is given to absolute loons.
A large share of the blame for this should be laid at the feet of news talk radio and TV. The soap box lunatics are now afforded a place and time for mainstream debate because it achieves ratings.
If on TV and radio and not shouting on a street corner, maybe they've got something legitimate to say.
Years ago while traveling at night I used to listen to this type crazies on an end of dial black extremist talk radio. I learned interesting "facts". The "Man" is killing Blacks by putting the AIDS virus in condoms, so "brothers" don't use condoms said "social activist" and celebrity Dick Gregory.
My personal favorite was a huge discovery of how the "Man" puts down the Black man. Why black people can't get loans and jobs. It's all there in plain sight. When I got home I was glued sitting in the car listening to one caller after another reciting- Hallelujah- we discovered the secret and proof of the White Conspiracy against Black people. If you apply for a loan and for a job you will be turned down because- are you ready- the two middle numbers in your Social Security number are an even number. It's how the Man knows you are Black. Every caller had a story of being turned down and each had an even number.
I have an even number as does every member of my family. I found it amusing and sad.
The lunacy was relegated to late night at the end of the dial.
Now we openly discuss whether the Government blew up the levees in New Orleans.
This clown in his clown suit is now allowed his opinions on FOX news. C-Span covers Farrakhan. Al Sharpton sits with US Senators and others in debate running for President. And it's all normal.
Brave New World.