The definition of a conspiracy theory varies very little, wherever you look. So this one, by Merriam-Webster, will suffice:-

“a theory that explains an event or set of circumstances as the result of a secret plot by usually powerful conspirators“

We are seeing these almost every day in these pages. The “elites” are feathering their own nests. “Social liberals” are responsible for the decline of standards, The Pharmaceutical Industry is conspiring with government around the world to force unnecessary treatments on us and enrich themselves and those they have corrupted. The WEF and the “globalists” are conspiring to impose a world government via the Great Reset. Etc etc.

So often these things are stated as fact and completely irrational conclusions drawn from them without any evidence at all. When the source of this is the internet itself and its capacity to conflate truth and lies the importance of correction is obvious, although those who do are then dismissed by the believers who are as indoctrinated as any religious fundamentalist.

It’s both sad to witness and extremely concerning.

I have my own understanding about where many of these theories originate which is less of a theory itself but something that is recognised and targeted by the Western intelligence services. We are fighting a cyber war and those who spread conspiracy theories are unknowingly acting as a 5th column of foot soldiers for our enemies.

Edited by Wisbech Eagle (10 Sep 2023 11.58am)

For the avoidance of doubt any comments in response to a previous post are directed to its ideas and not at any, or all, posters personally.

It is actually quite sad to see now - he obviously has dementia and should not be put in this position. It is like taking a shuffling old boy from a nursing home and putting him in a suit and then asking him to hold a coherent conversation with the worlds press.

You would have thought that his wife/carer would step in and say enough is enough…

The ability of know it alls to be able to diagnose medical conditions of people whose politics they dislike never ceases to fill me with distain.

Trump does it routinely about Biden in his efforts to undermine him and unfortunately we also see it here. Which is sad, as I thought we are better than that. When Trump himself was accused of having a psychiatric illness the appropriate authority in the USA refused to confirm, saying no medical diagnosis should ever be expressed without a thorough examination.

I have no wish to see a man of 80 running for President and remain convinced he won’t but I also have no reason to think he is showing any actual mental decline. He has never been at his best when making ad hoc remarks but is otherwise doing perfectly fine. Others agree:-

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For the avoidance of doubt any comments in response to a previous post are directed to its ideas and not at any, or all, posters personally.

I don’t think there is any mental decline. He has never been a good public speaker, it’s not his skill. He is definitely a little unsteady on his feet these days. So am I, and I am 80 next year, but I can still hold my own in any debate where I have some knowledge. Appearances can deceive. Biden has a team around him to whom he listens and delegates. Trump is a one man band of instant ideas and complete self belief in his ability. Which is always directed at what is in his best interest.

Yes, keeping Trump out is, and always will be, the No 1 priority. There are very few people who I would not prefer to be POTUS than Trump.

For the avoidance of doubt any comments in response to a previous post are directed to its ideas and not at any, or all, posters personally.