Kevin Aherne
Neither the government, nor some vaguely malevolent "shadow organization" committed the atrocious slaughter of 58 innocent civilians in Las Vegas last week.
A terrorist did.
Neither the government, nor some vaguely malevolent "shadow organization" committed the atrocious slaughter of 58 innocent civilians in Las Vegas last week.
A terrorist did.
This meme, shared throughout social media shortly after the Vegas attacks, shows the danger of reporting information before specific details are known.
Regardless, whenever America is faced with mass casualty events - which is far too frequently - there is an immediate rush from the dregs of humanity, who insist "this is clearly a false flag" or "just another government cover up." these conspiracy theorists provide very little - if any-substantive information, but rather, focus their attention on the few bits of information that are vacant, and fill the void with conjecture, and abject fantasy.
These individuals cite conflicting reports, or absence of information, to push forward their make-believe agenda, that portrays the government as an omnipotent force that can callously, yet secretly, commit heinous acts against U.S. citizens. From Sandy Hook to 9/11, the push to dismiss the events as an "inside job" or even made up entirely.
The nature of breaking news
In mass casualty events, such as the one in Vegas many of us woke to last Monday, the news media rushes to put forth information. They all want the same things - clicks, viewers, and engagement. The 24-hour news cycle has been scrapped in favor of the 24-minute cycle, as Americans have become obsessed with having the full story in one format: FAST!
The unfortunate casualty of such speedy coverage is accuracy. Media A is reporting 75 dead. Media B say the shots came from ground-level, Media C is saying the shooter is still at large.
It's completely irresponsible journalism, but it's also how the public demands its news. Nobody wants to wait a day or two to get the correct information. Nobody wants vetted sources. Just give me the body count, name the killer, tell us everything the killer ever did, and let's get on with it.
This is where conspiracy theories are born. They use the conflicting reports to create doubt.
That doubt is used to create a false narrative.
Three can keep a secret if two of them are dead
The same government who can't properly pave a road, the same politicians who can't keep their sordid affairs private -- they can somehow collude to not only plan, not only execute to perfection atrocious acts against American citizens, but somehow lure the media into reporting "fake news," and keep the entire ordeal a secret for generations.
And I am not trying to say that government, or its leaders, prioritize the interests of the American people.
Of course, corporations and governments conduct shady business behind our backs. They do it every single day. But this shady business does not involve homicidal and genocidal actions. They are not seeding the clouds, they are not transmitting mind control frequencies through radio towers. They are, however, creating tax loopholes that benefit only the top of the food chain. They are suppressing voting rights in politically convenient locations. They are overwhelming us with information knowing the average Ameican ignores the fine print.
The government didn't shoot all those people in Las Vegas, but the government did make it nearly impossible for the injured to afford their healthcare to treat their bullet wounds.
Not just their opinion
The crazy thing about these conspiracy theorists, is that it's never a doubt in their minds. There is never a doubt as to whether the government could pull off something like this, they state it as fact. Then they challenge the very nature of facts. It's impossible to defend against. If we can't find common ground as to the nature of facts, it's impossible to engage in constructive debate.
Seemingly, to conspiracy theorists, everybody is clueless to "the truth" save for a few random mall security guards and deli clerks from places like West Warwick
These individuals cite conflicting reports, or absence of information, to push forward their make-believe agenda, that portrays the government as an omnipotent force that can callously, yet secretly, commit heinous acts against U.S. citizens. From Sandy Hook to 9/11, the push to dismiss the events as an "inside job" or even made up entirely.
The nature of breaking news
In mass casualty events, such as the one in Vegas many of us woke to last Monday, the news media rushes to put forth information. They all want the same things - clicks, viewers, and engagement. The 24-hour news cycle has been scrapped in favor of the 24-minute cycle, as Americans have become obsessed with having the full story in one format: FAST!
The unfortunate casualty of such speedy coverage is accuracy. Media A is reporting 75 dead. Media B say the shots came from ground-level, Media C is saying the shooter is still at large.
It's completely irresponsible journalism, but it's also how the public demands its news. Nobody wants to wait a day or two to get the correct information. Nobody wants vetted sources. Just give me the body count, name the killer, tell us everything the killer ever did, and let's get on with it.
This is where conspiracy theories are born. They use the conflicting reports to create doubt.
That doubt is used to create a false narrative.
Three can keep a secret if two of them are dead
The same government who can't properly pave a road, the same politicians who can't keep their sordid affairs private -- they can somehow collude to not only plan, not only execute to perfection atrocious acts against American citizens, but somehow lure the media into reporting "fake news," and keep the entire ordeal a secret for generations.
And I am not trying to say that government, or its leaders, prioritize the interests of the American people.
Of course, corporations and governments conduct shady business behind our backs. They do it every single day. But this shady business does not involve homicidal and genocidal actions. They are not seeding the clouds, they are not transmitting mind control frequencies through radio towers. They are, however, creating tax loopholes that benefit only the top of the food chain. They are suppressing voting rights in politically convenient locations. They are overwhelming us with information knowing the average Ameican ignores the fine print.
The government didn't shoot all those people in Las Vegas, but the government did make it nearly impossible for the injured to afford their healthcare to treat their bullet wounds.
Not just their opinion
The crazy thing about these conspiracy theorists, is that it's never a doubt in their minds. There is never a doubt as to whether the government could pull off something like this, they state it as fact. Then they challenge the very nature of facts. It's impossible to defend against. If we can't find common ground as to the nature of facts, it's impossible to engage in constructive debate.
Seemingly, to conspiracy theorists, everybody is clueless to "the truth" save for a few random mall security guards and deli clerks from places like West Warwick
