-Caveat Lector- TRIBUNE ARTICLE GETS IT RIGHT -- AND WRONG ========================================== (CNNS, 02/12/99) -- An article by Eric Lipton on conspiracy theories in the Feb. 10, 1999 issue of the Chicago Tribune gets it right -- and wrong. ("Impeachment Spins Tangled Web Of Conspiracy Theories," Tribune, 2/10/99.) In general, Lipton provides fair coverage, but the very generality of his coverage serves to ridicule the more probable theories. This sort of technique is sometimes used, for example when Debra von Trapp appeared on NBC's Dateline show but was book-ended by pre- and post-segments featuring deranged types. Obvious inference to general viewers: von Trapp is, by association, herself deranged. This deranged-by-association technique is used by Lipton in his article. He mixes serious researchers and theorists with others less grounded in reality. So, for example, he has a serious researcher, Norman Olson, speculating that "Independent" Prosecutor Ken Starr may be a tool, used to "create a diversion away from real criminal behavior." But juxtaposed with Olson in the article are people who wear aluminum foil helmets when they watch television. In covering Conspiracy Nation's theory of a Feminist Intelligence Network (FIN), Lipton does not spell out the theory in full; he leaves a crucial gap. Lipton gets it right as to Linda Tripp, Lucianne Goldberg, and Monica Lewinsky being possible tools of FIN. But he jumps from there to "Hillary supporting husband Bill and keeping his poll numbers up." Left out is the CRUCIAL ingredient of a possible "sting" operation having been conducted by FIN, so as to show Bill Clinton their power and terrorize him. By leaving out the crucial ingredient, Lipton ruins the cake. But why be surprised? One of Sherman Skolnick's favorite jokes is that he never reads fiction, except for the Chicago Tribune. Stories dealing with Furbies and their menace were written tongue-in-cheek by CNNS, and probably in the same vein by "Ru Mills." Yet Furbie stories are also thrown into Lipton's potpourri, as if seriously considered. Lipton also dogmatically asserts that Wilhelm Reich's theory of orgone energy has been "scientifically debunked." Many, including this editor, believe otherwise. Lipton, in the same paragraph, says that Reich's orgone energy theory "states that through fluoride in water and toothpaste, American minds are being manipulated..." This editor is not aware that Reich ever connected his orgone energy theory with fluoride. Overall, the article by Eric Lipton is an entertaining read and provides light humor for an America in decline. In spite of its flaws, this editor himself got a good laugh. To keep sane in conspiracy research, a sense of humor is a big help. -- CNNS (Conspiracy Nation News Service) is an INDEPENDENT news outlet, not owned by anyone. (But of course, we would say that, wouldn't we?) BEWARE THE CFR! BEWARE THE CIA! BEWARE THE KNIGHTS! DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance—not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om