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On the anniversary of 9/11, a reminder of how we used to deal with odious conspiracy theories: Ridicule.
For years, there were attempts to portray 9/11 as an inside job led by shadowy U.S. elites. A lot of people believed it. But most people reacted with scorn. /1
For years, there were attempts to portray 9/11 as an inside job led by shadowy U.S. elites. A lot of people believed it. But most people reacted with scorn. /1
Yes, it gained traction among the gullible. Still does. But a country that still knew the difference between reality and batshittery relegated it to the fringe. "9/11 Truther" was a synonym for "kook." Even remote association with it cost a WH aide his job. /2
Of course, many Republicans were eager enemies of a conspiracy theory aimed at a GOP President, but they opposed it nonetheless. Fine by me.
So where are they now? Why aren't they ridiculing QAnon, or Trump's many conspiracy theories? /3
So where are they now? Why aren't they ridiculing QAnon, or Trump's many conspiracy theories? /3
No one back in the day said "Well, you have to understand the anxiety of the guy in a diner who believes 9/11 was an inside plot." But now we're supposed to speak reasonably to people who believe in blood-drinking rituals, Second Civil War porn, and COVID conspiracies. /4
On a day of national unity, it will sound strange to say: More ridicule, less "understanding." So let me put it differently:
More goddamn common sense, more defense of our democratic ideals, more dismissal of paranoids and their grubby enablers.
Less crazy, more American. /5x
More goddamn common sense, more defense of our democratic ideals, more dismissal of paranoids and their grubby enablers.
Less crazy, more American. /5x
