Posted on 11/17/2001 4:25:48 AM PST by RDSmith
Government Intelligence Monitoring Conspiracy Sites.
In the weeks since the attack on the World Trade Center, government agents have been monitoring so-called "conspiracy theories" on the internet. Intelligence agents and other concerned public agencies have been alarmed by the appearance of websites spreading what George Bush recently referred to as "outrageous conspiracy theories."
Conspiracy theories have been rampant in the wake of the terrorist attacks on America. A small sampling of those theories reveals blame being placed on everyone from the Mossad and Russian intelligence, to rogue elements within the U.S. government. Such "theories" have had a rather unpleasant knack for spreading into the larger community, a problem which has clearly concerned America's highest officials.
FEMA recently felt obliged to discredit what it called "rumors" on the internet that FEMA officials were dispatched to New York City on the night of September 10. While that particular rumor did appear on many conspiracy sites, many of the site operators themselves were quick to discredit the rumor, dismissing it as a mere “mental typo” by a FEMA representative (the rumor was based on an interview in which a FEMA representative claimed that FEMA was dispatched to New York on the night of September 10). Richard Finnegan of Counter-Propaganda (http://members.shaw.ca/revelation18/news.htm), a website that features "alternative" news and conspiracy theories, said that what he found interesting about that particular denial was not the denial itself, but that it indicated that the government was paying close attention to conspiracy theories on the web. "What is even more amazing," said Finnegan, "is that George Bush felt obliged to attack these conspiracy theories during his speech to the United Nations." During that speech George Bush said, "Let us never tolerate outrageous conspiracy theories concerning the attacks of September the 11th, malicious lies that attempt to shift the blame away from the terrorists themselves, away from the guilty."
Finnegan, whose site reports some of the "more credible" conspiracy theories, rejected Bush's assertion that conspiracy theories "attempt to shift blame." "We live in a world where information is tightly controlled and where propaganda or 'public relations' is rampant," Finnegan said. "In this environment it is difficult to know what the truth is.” “When people are convinced they are being lied to they will attempt to find or create alternative solutions themselves." “There is nothing wrong or 'dangerous' about this." "Many of the greatest scandals in history began as 'conspiracy theories' which later turned out to be true." "We should not be concerned about the existence or appearance of conspiracy theories, but we should be very concerned if they disappear or are 'snuffed out,' because this would be an indication of either absolute state control or that people have ceased to be interested in determining the truth; in either case it would be the death of democracy as we know it."
Finnegan noted that the fact that government is willing to put so much interest and attention into "debunking" these theories should tell us something very useful. "I think the fact that George Bush is concerned by these theories is very interesting." "Some of the most persistent conspiracy theories these days are related to the very real fact that the Bush family has business ties with the bin Laden family; I think George is concerned, with good reason, that the general public might start discussing his connections with the bin Laden's more openly and actively ... that would be a disaster for his personal agenda." “This is an excellent example of the service provided by conspiracy theorists and other alternative news sources; they delve into areas the mainstream press is reluctant or unwilling to look into.”
Asked how actively he thought government was in monitoring conspiracy sites, Finnegan said that many sites that track traffic on their webpages have reported government snooping. "I have similar tracking on my webpage, which has recorded various hits from U.S. and other government agencies, including military intelligence." "While many of the conspiracy theorists make a big deal out of such hits, I do not pay much attention to them ... nine times out of ten a hit from a government server is probably just from some public employee surfing on his lunch-break; nevertheless, the fact that the government has been openly attacking conspiracy theories is indicative of a real concern ... it could be that they are concerned that some of these so-called "kooks" might ask questions or open doors that they would rather remain closed." "Let's remember that it was the National Enquirer, a paper that frequently reports conspiracy theories, that broke the Pardongate scandal." “Conspiracy theorists were all over this story even before the National Enquirer brought it to the attention of the nation.” "Conspiracy theorists provide a valuable service to all democratic societies, and I think we should regard any attempt to silence these individuals -- directly or indirectly -- as a direct assault on democracy."
BUMP!!
Mostly, I have a problem with that Julia chick!
FEMA recently felt obliged to discredit what it called "rumors" on the internet
Isn't it nice to have a Ministry of Truth? I feel much safer now.
Ohhh . . . is that what that is? . . . her mouth? . . . geez, I kinda figured it was a newly discovered fault line !!! :-))
Message to Americans: Speak factually about what you KNOW to be true. Label your opinions as OPINION. When you do not know for certain, say so. Accuracy matters. Words can have consequences. Support the war with TRUTH.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.