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Rights and Liberties

The Paranoid Style: Xenophobic Conspiracy Theories Explored

By Heidi Beirich, SPLC Intelligence Report. Posted July 19, 2007.


The far right has always been given to the paranoia of conspiracy theories. Here's a rundown on the two that xenophobes are currently obsessed with: the 'North American Union' and the Plan de Aztlan.
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Conspiracy theories are everywhere in America. From the assassination of President Kennedy to whether Neil Armstrong actually landed on the moon to concerns about adding fluoride to drinking water, wild-eyed and unsubstantiated theories have been part and parcel of the American political experience. Historian Richard Hofstadter, writing in a 1965 essay, famously described this phenomenon as "the paranoid style in American politics."

The paranoid style came dramatically back to public attention in the 1990s, when the then-swelling militia movement seized upon a speech by the first President Bush about a post-Cold War "new world order" to suggest that Bush really was describing a takeover of America by nefarious "one-world government" forces. So-called "Patriots" also theorized that they were being spied on by "black helicopters," that a secret weather machine in Brussels was ruining American farms, that the United Nations was planning to kill four-fifths of Americans, and so on.

Since the dawning of the contemporary anti-immigration movement around the turn of the millennium, a new set of conspiracy theories has emerged. Stoked by paranoid far-right groups like the John Birch Society, which once accused President Eisenhower of being a secret Communist, these theories revive militia fears about the United States losing its sovereignty to various foreign powers. But like the many plots alleged by militia ideologues, the allegations are fantasies.

The 'North American Union'

Since 2005, the dominant conspiracy theory animating the anti-immigration movement has been the so-called "North American Union," described as a plot to surrender American sovereignty in a planned merger with Canada and Mexico. The plotters are typically said to be various foreign leaders, President George W. Bush and his "neo-conservative" allies, and an array of leading American liberals.

If the John Birch Society (JBS) and others pushing this theory are to be believed, President Bush began ceding American sovereignty on March 23, 2005, at a meeting in Waco, Texas, with Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin and Mexican President Vicente Fox. The meeting ended with the signing of what was called the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP), which set up a series of working groups to study cooperation in transportation, energy, aviation, the environment and more.

Most people familiar with the SPP understand that it is a benign and slow-moving attempt to coordinate trade and security policies in a bid to improve the lives of citizens in all three countries. But to the conspiracy theorists, it is a plot that will end with Mexico sending millions more of its citizens to the United States, international courts that overrule American justice, hate crime laws that will send anti-gay Christian preachers to prison, and more. The plotters are said to include the militia bogeyman of the Council of Foreign Relations and are supposedly directed by American University Professor Robert Pastor.

Lately, the paranoia about the SPP process has become so intense that a proposed highway linking Canada, Mexico and the United States is seen as part of evil machinations that will end with the Mexican government seizing control of the key Missouri River port in Kansas City. Other conspiracy theorists fear that a new currency, the "Amero," will displace good, old-fashioned American dollars.

The leader in "educating" the public about the North American Union (NAU) plot has been the JBS, which says "politicians and internationalists" in America are "effectively destroying the United States." In fact, the long dormant group has been reanimated by the theory, assigning writer Mary Benoit to cover it relentlessly in the JBS magazine The New American. JBS has allied itself on this issue with Howard Phillips, leader of the anti-immigrant Constitution Party, and added nativist leader Chris Simcox of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps to its speakers bureau.


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Alternet Is Dead
Posted by: bodo on Jul 19, 2007 12:24 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Wow, at what point did Alternet become just another vestige of the propaganda apparatus?

They must be desperate to discredit the growing bipartisan movement - a movement which increasingly buys into all those nutty "conspiracy theories", as if thats all they were. Desperate to reinforce the establishment's failing false left/right paradigm.
Desperate to keep the societal consciousness subdued.

One of their articles even attempts to associate those quacky "conspiracy theories" with the far right -- nice try guys, but I'm not falling for it. People on both sides of your arbitrary paradigm are waking up in droves. I'd laugh at the attempt if there weren't people out there actually buying into the tripe you post here.

What is it exactly that is supposed to make this website an alternative as its name implies? I can get the same party line from CNN.

Its probably time to turn to an actual journalistic website.

Try globalresearch.ca
or gnn.tv
or whatreallyhappened.com
or thefilter.ca
or infowars.com

there are many many more.

The truth ain't here,
but believe me, its out there.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: Alternet Is Dead Posted by: rkm
» RE: Alternet Is Dead Posted by: edith
» RE: Alternet Is Dead Posted by: bodo
» RE: Alternet Is Dead Posted by: acidicjazzhead
» Get your facts straight Posted by: tulugaq
» Simple reasons Posted by: marid
» RE: The Big Picture Posted by: TarryFaster
» A pretty big disagreement Posted by: eddie torres
» Please disregard the previous comment. Posted by: thoughtcriminal
» Nice one, tc. Like it Posted by: HeroesAll
» Recall JBS and NWO Posted by: etisoppa
» RE: Alternet Is Dead Posted by: allyourbasearebelongtous
The rednecks...
Posted by: Temporary on Jul 19, 2007 1:25 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
always need someone to HATE! This gives them a change to play "big hero" to there trailer trash wife and kids. "Big whiteman" saves the worlds from the evil n***** and mexicans! They just want to feel proud of themselves!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: The rednecks... Posted by: MindyB
What Really Hurts
Posted by: edith on Jul 19, 2007 3:41 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Free trade agreements, including the notorious NAFTA, have wrecked prospects for average Americans not privileged to attend Ivy League schools, escalated illegal immigration into the US and put the US into debt that eventually will threaten the sovereignty of the nation. The North American Union groups may have the details wrong, but tripartite North American agreements are in the interest of multinational corporations that have no national loyalty and that rely on decreasing wages and an indentured servant class(illegal immigrants.).

The snide tone of the Alternet article here simply shows that anyone including Alternet can be manipulated by Big Corporate International interests.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: What Really Hurts Posted by: HighburyJD
» RE: What Really Hurts Posted by: MindyB
wild-eyed and unsubstantiated theories
Posted by: DrXyzzy on Jul 19, 2007 4:27 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
From the assassination of President Kennedy ...

We got your wild-eyed theories. For a feisty speech on the subject, check out Michael Parenti's classic The JFK Assassination and the Gangster Nature of the State.

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SPP is NOT benign
Posted by: Bigioni on Jul 19, 2007 4:40 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The NAU may be an exxageration, but the SPP is real, and it is already screwing us. Canadians were recently forced by their Federal Government to accept higher pesticide residue levels on fruit and vegetables in order to bring Canada into conformity with more lax American standards. This was a direct result of advice from the NACC - the trilateral group of business leaders created under the SPP to advise the governments of the 3 member nations. The SPP created a priviledged advisory role for big business leaders. It does not give a voice or a consultative role to anyone else. In fact, public documents show that the SPP itself was conceived of by the private sector and pushed on government. Since when did Alternet become CNN? I'm getting a little tired of you making light of conspiracy theorists instead of demonstrating a bit of curiosity about the real issues.

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» RE: SPP is NOT benign Posted by: eridani
sick of this
Posted by: boydranchitos on Jul 19, 2007 5:01 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
While I have been rewarded for stopping by here, generally speaking, every once and awhile, I skate in and get the sense that I'm being mugged by whores.
C'mon. Don't do the Bushevics job for them.
If I want THIS kind of pulp, I'll read the National Review.

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"the key Mississippi River port in Kansas City"
Posted by: karma_ran_over_dogma on Jul 19, 2007 5:16 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
They must be following GWB's geographical advice as well.

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Im not sure, but...
Posted by: Fat Man at the Buffet Line on Jul 19, 2007 5:18 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I am pretty sure I have read more than a few conspiracy theories right here on Alternet from the left side of the political spectrum... just sayin..

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» RE: Im not sure, but... Posted by: apophenia_monkey
» Ghosts Posted by: TexasJewGirl
what is truth anyway? is it profitable?
Posted by: andy on Jul 19, 2007 5:32 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Conspiracy theories these days are a synonym for truth it seems!
People I hate corporations too, but who can argue with the neo liberal capitalist system that since the 80's has created so much wealth. I look around and everybody seems so gaddamn happy with their fancy technological gadgets and consumer culture.
Reality is defined by propaganda and very few seem to give a shit. I just sit back and hope this ignorant society gets whats coming to it!

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United we Stand, Divided We FALL
Posted by: moontime on Jul 19, 2007 5:46 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Hmmm... NAU not real? I've got mail from the Canadian Embassy that suggests otherwise.
SPP Benign? Guess you didn't read their white papers. If you did, you would know that the war in Iraq (and the coming one with Iran) was planned well in advance of 9/11, they just needed a reason to go in. You would also know that the war isn't actually a mess in their eyes- it is going exactly as planned. They wrote about going into Iraq and splitting it into 3 parts, setting up permanent bases and taking over Iran & Syria for starters. They don't plan to ever withdraw the troops, and the definition of "winning" is conquering the entire middle east.
Wake up folks. Left vs. Right is a false paradigm. Both sides lie. They find the emotional issues to get you riled up and vote for them but then they advance their own agenda. Two examples would be how the "right" always promises to abolish abortion and never does, and how the "left" promised troop withdrawl and impeachment. How's that working out for ya? Nearly all the presidential contenders on both sides are globalists and will sell out this country.
Also as far as the mexicans go, learn some Spanish and go down to Texas and hear it for yourself. While you are there you can check out where they are building the Trans-Texas corridor, part of the NAFTA superhighway of the NAU. See it for yourself. Or just believe the propaganda here and go back to sleep.
And to be clear, I am NOT talking about ALL mexicans. This is not racism and I am not xenophobic. The truth is that there is a growing movement of immigrants who want to take this country over. But most of them are just good people happy for the opportunities they have found here. Like I said, learn some Spanish.
In closing, I just want to say that I used to be proud to consider myself a Liberal. Now I'm just a person who's older and wiser, sick of labels and sick of watching how politicians play Americans against each other, keep us quibbling so we ignore all their corruption. Lets start looking for what we have in common instead of finding reasons to hate each other. Don't let the politicians and pundits manipulate you. Think for yourself. United We Stand, Divided We Fall.

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» RE: United we Stand, Divided We FALL Posted by: greybeard95a
errr...Kansas City is on the Missouri River...
Posted by: sausage on Jul 19, 2007 5:56 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
...last time I checked.

As for those ranting that they will never read or post on AlterNet again!!!!!!!!

Adios

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If there is one thing (besides left-wing dictators) that the editors of Alternet seem to love....
Posted by: Illiteratilumen on Jul 19, 2007 5:58 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
...its more powerful government, larger government and government that is as distant as possible from the common individual. Its no surprise that this is the second article in the last month or so that has tried to pretend that there aren't trends towards a North American Union.

Why is this particular "conspiracy theory" attacked with such vigor while other theories are so carefully cultivated?

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» All too typical leftist assumption Posted by: Illiteratilumen
Conspiracy Theory a Good Thing?
Posted by: ProgressiveManiac on Jul 19, 2007 6:51 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The term conspiracy theory is one that seems to be often abused, not to mean a theory in which two or more persons conspire. Instead it has come to be used to refer to any theory other than the official theory i.e. the particular theory that has been approved by those in power (which, itself, may well involve two or more persons conspiring). I don't like this modern usage but I understand it; however, I prefer the use of the term hypothesis for what others might call a conspiracy theory.

Every scientific breakthrough, and every breakthrough in a criminal investigation starts with someone having an eureka moment where some innovative notion seems to explain the known facts. Often these ideas can be rejected with a little careful consideration, but sometimes they stand this initial test of logic and review of known facts. There is nothing wrong with presenting and discussing such an hypothesis even if is unproven and conflicts with what officials may say about the matter. Widespread an public discussion is a good thing that will eventually lead to improved understanding and possibly eventual consensus.

The example of Galileo comes to mind, and it is not hard to come up with other examples where an hypothesis eventually gains general acceptance. Ridicule of unconventional ideas has long been used to avoid what some call change and others call progress. In the political arena, it is a way to avoid exposure of wrong-doing and a way of preserving ignorance.

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Another Head in the Sand Dismissal
Posted by: ceti on Jul 19, 2007 7:07 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Most people familiar with the SPP understand that it is a benign and slow-moving attempt to coordinate trade and security policies in a bid to improve the lives of citizens in all three countries.

This statement alone is a dead giveaway to the lack of seriousness this article is devoting to the issue. The SPP is being contested by some of the leading citizen action groups in Canada, who see SPP as a threat to Canadian sovereignty, and yet another step towards continental integration with the US. As such, it is a key issue for progressives in Canada. To dismiss it out of hand shows how progressives in the US are way behind in understanding current trends.

Harper, Bush, and Calderon are all ideological soul mates and will give these negotiations fresh impetus. Bush has already showed he will sell out American workers to the need of American capital, so it is understandable that opposition to even the idea of a NAU is coming from both the left and right.

Of course the patriotic right cast a conspiratorial net over the issue, as they are unable to understand the needs of imperialism and capitalism that are driving this continental integration. However, that shouldn't take away from the fact that the SPP and NAU are indeed threats just as NAFTA and the FTAA were before them.

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» Perry and the Bilderberg Posted by: TexasJewGirl
» RE: Perry and the Bilderberg (THE PROOF) Posted by: albrechtkrausse
» Here's your proof. Posted by: Prophit0
» Reality check Posted by: eddie torres
» RE: eality check Posted by: albrechtkrausse
» Uhhh... not insane? Posted by: eddie torres
zoya
Posted by: delia on Jul 19, 2007 7:25 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Because the US stands to gain while Canada and Mexico experience Anschluss, the protests against NAU must be a "conspiracy theory." This website is starting to really piss me off. Why don't you do some real investigative journalism on this issue before sounding off?

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» RE: zoya Posted by: ljsullivan1166@earthlink.net
not only rightwingers are concerned about the SPP
Posted by: smendler on Jul 19, 2007 7:30 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
There was discussion of the SPP at the recent Green Party national meeting, hardly a haven of rightwingnuts. Maybe it's kinda like the CFR - when both rightwingers and leftwingers think something doesn't smell right, maybe it really does stink.

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» It's an ostrich Posted by: eddie torres
frank69
Posted by: frank69 on Jul 19, 2007 7:31 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Let's go back to those "golden days" of yesteryears..."If any more Germans come in, we'll all be speaking German," Benjamin Franklin. "Our country can accept no more immigrants; we're full," a member of the House speaking in 1790. "Irish need not apply," wants ads in leading newspapers from the 1840's into the 1870's. "We don't want those criminal Italians here," various Congress persons and newspapers. "No more Eastern Euopeans," by the same groups (1880-1910) who didn't want Italians. In 1924, the despicable immigrant quota system was voted in, as a reaction to the Doughboys bringing home Euopean wives after WWI. After WWII, the cry was, "No more DP's (Displaced Persons)." So you see, Nativist xenophobia is not new in the old USA. And lest we forget, "The only good Indian, is a dead Indian." So all of we people of Non-Native American Indian stock, should perhaps reconsider our anti-immigrant hysteria.

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» Finally! Posted by: TexasJewGirl
» RE: frank69 Posted by: kathat
I am insulted by this article
Posted by: zelda253 on Jul 19, 2007 7:32 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I can't believe it. You sound just like all the other half wits who run around never knowing what is going on. And the condesceding tone? How dare you. I feel like I have just been to a suburban bar-b-que of Bush lovers.
I don't think I'll bother with "ALTER net" any more. What a slap in the face.

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» hey, don't take it personal Posted by: smendler
THIS WRITER NEEDS TO GET HIS "FACTS" STRAIGHT
Posted by: tooldoc60 on Jul 19, 2007 7:40 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
This article should be an embarrassment. There are too many innacuracies to mention fully, the most glaring of which are 1) Kansas City is on the Missouri River, and 2) that pissant Virgil Goode is a Virginia representative (unfortunately for those of us who live in his district. He is an extremely inbred moron). Far too many other innaccuracies too mention. No, I'm not a "conservative" trying to rain on this guy's parade, I consider myself to be very Progressive, and this author is an embarrassment.
s

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» Enemies of SPLC Posted by: eddie torres
Right on - Heidi!!
Posted by: reinaldok on Jul 19, 2007 7:56 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I find myself sitting at home more often. It seems whereever I go, I encounter some of the conspiracy theorists you have mentioned. All the stories are basically the same.
Last night I went to a condo meeting. Instead of talking about leaking roofs or that someone's dog is making a mess, I had to listen to the tales about muslims taking over the world. California is going to be given back to Mexico on and on. I recently returned from a hiking trip. Two others in our group were from the USA. I had to endure 8 days of listening to all the trash theories and how our Mission in Iraq is going so well and we must give George and his ilk a choice to prove that war and killing is the way to go.

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Canada is already being ravaged by SPP
Posted by: fma7 on Jul 19, 2007 8:24 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It is really Canada that stands to lose by the SPP. OUR vast water and oil resources are currently being swindled with the USA importing all of our oil while we as Canadians buy from the Mideast. There is a gag order silencing any discussion here in Canada regarding the SPP agreement. I feel betrayed by Alternet as this is the second time I have seen this topic framed in this condesending manner attempting to discredit the research and facts highlighting the existence of the SPP.

http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=174

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Has Alternet changed or have we changed?
Posted by: dover23 on Jul 19, 2007 8:22 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I confess that I used to be as far left as many of the posters here that I frequently disagree with. I have to thank media outlets such as Alternet who exposed themselves after 9/11 to be just another mouthpiece for the existing power structures; they have assisted in leading me to understand that it's not who's in power that is the problem...

it is power itself that is the problem

Alternet rarely, or never, challenges the notion of power, they in fact support it. They also use these mind games such as this piece from "Intelligence Report" to prey on their readers and discourage certain criticisms that are not approved by the established left. I imagine many Alternet readers are young and maybe a little too insecure to go against the grain; it's a confusing world out there. Everyone has some ego, nobody wants to feel stupid.

But most of us are not morons or paranoid, as Heidi is attempting to make us feel. We know the official 9/11 story is a lie. We know our government does not speak or seek the truth about those murders. We also know it's an issue you can't hide from... you had to show your cards and it turns out the established left has been bluffing all along!... (I should have picked up on this when taking part in anti-war rallies in 02 & 03)

I don't come to this site for information; there are many legit journos on the net. I come here to see the latest spin from the faux left and read the comments which usually set the record straight; it makes me optimistic knowing that many of you people are out there with only a few scattered stooges.

I was hardly aware of this NAU until, ironically, I started reading about it here. I don't feel strongly on the issue but I certainly don't feel paranoid discussing the possibilities! Thanks for links people:)

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» All hail the onstitution Posted by: eddie torres
arly
Posted by: arly on Jul 19, 2007 8:35 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
as a Canadian I find the Spp rather scary. There will be a meeting in Canada in Augustof this group. The leaders of Canada, Mexico and the U.S. will be there . A group called the Council Of Canadians had booked rooms in a hotel nearby an d the Gov. has had their reservations rescinded,no one is allowed within 25KM of the place. The few journalists they have decided to allow in have been hand picked.These meetings will involve the highest levels of government from these 3 countries and get this the CEO,s and the largest corporations,yet these will be secret meetings where deals will be made that circumvent our parliament and your congress, google Council Of Canadians or Linda Mcquaig (author of holding the bully,s coat)

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» Bush in Ottawa Posted by: ceti
otto
Posted by: otto on Jul 19, 2007 9:00 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
You probably have some valid points to make, but reading the reactions against SPP meetings as right wing reactions is way off! Up here in Canada it's the progressive groups that are afraid - especially led by Maude Barlow and The Council of Canadians. The meetings have been going on for over two years, with little media reporting, with almost all import coming from big corporate representatives. Things are happening just as NAFTA happened...secretly until they actually happen and we have to live with the results. Thinking Canadians can see it all as a way for Canada to lose all sovereignty and end up as a 51st state...using American money, of course, and forcing Canada to give up environmental, health and social standards. (also a good way for the U.S. to fight the dollar being overtaken by the Euro.)

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» RE: otto Posted by: ceti
The Conspiracy Theorist Patsy
Posted by: hankedson on Jul 19, 2007 9:15 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Conspiracy Theorists deserve study because they present canary in the coal mine type symptomatic processing of a paranoia impacting the entire society. They exhibit a condition less noticed by the rest of us. Their theories, like dreams, are not without valid insight into a reality we all experience daily. We just haven't learned how to relate to such theories properly. Check out my article, "The Conspiracy Theorist Patsy," at http://hankedson.squarespace.com/conspiracy-theorist/

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Only a fool nit-picks a sensible examination of mass hysteria.
Posted by: Sojourner on Jul 19, 2007 9:21 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It's called the story of "Chicken Little." "The sky is falling. The sky is falling." 'Twas ever the same.

"The end of the world is coming." "The boogieman will get you if you don't watch out." "Step on a crack and break your mother's back."

Or as the bard told us, "Ah, what fools these mortals be."

Or more recently, "There's a fool born every minute." We post on the AlterNet web site.

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Poor, Poor Article...
Posted by: channing on Jul 19, 2007 9:22 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
"Intelligence Report"? Oxymoron at best.

To place "conspiracy theorists", who represent small, unaligned, factions across the political spectrum as a greater threat than the GIANT role of actual "conspirators", who are well organized, funded by heavy public and private capital, and relentlessly BackDoor all of their advances, reduces this whole piece to the "slime-shot" bin with Coultergeist's.

I'm not overly concerned about NAU, compared to Mandating Public Transparency and Public Accountability for All Governments and Corporations, but the Lack of Substance in arguing for NAU, combined with a substance-less disregard that "no threat exists" (their just trying to make things easier for everybody... my a**!), while at the same time turning a blind eye to the disproportionate Real-World wealth re-distribution that has resulted from NAFTA, ironically leads me to believe there must be more to the Plan de Aztlan than I'm already aware of, just because she brought it up!

I don't care if I live in a One State or Eighty State US, and I don't care if our border is withdrawn to pre-1860 or expanded to a One World Government... Because the Only Way we're going to make Life under any of those conditions Responsive to The People is Transparency and Accountability, today, as ever.

UNLOCK THE ROOTS OF ALL CONSPIRACIES, TRUE AND UNTRUE ALIKE, DEMAND THE PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW EVERYTHING THAT PUBLIC SERVANTS AND CORPORATIONS ARE DOING WITH OUR WORLD: IT IS WE THAT GRANT THEM THIS POWER, IT IS WE WHO MUST PAY FOR THE RESULTS!!!

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JFK MURDER: It's the non-conspiracy theorists, stupid
Posted by: DennisDalrymple on Jul 19, 2007 9:22 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It's mad to lump the loupy Minutemen types with those that that are skeptics of the JFK Assassination and it's official investigations. The dominate theory that came out of those investigations is the biggest and nuttiest lie of all: The Single-Bullet Theory. Without it, they couldn't have concluded that Lee Oswald was the lone assassin. Trust the non-conspiracy theorists at your own peril.

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There is no NAU “conspiracy.” The treasonous merger is happening RIGHT NOW!
Posted by: HughScott on Jul 19, 2007 9:50 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Rumors about a future North American Union gained momentum after the "New World Order" Council of Foreign Relations (CFR) organized the Independent Task Force on North America (ITFNA) in conjunction with the Canadian Council of Chief Executives and Mexican Council on Foreign Relations.

Chaired by former Canadian politician John Manley, ITFNA advocates a greater economic and social integration between Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Launched in October 2004, ITFNA published two documents: “Trinational Call for a North American Economic and Security Community by 2010 (March 2005)” and its final report, “Building a North American Community” (May 2005).

The final report proposed increased international cooperation between Canada, the United States and Mexico, similar in several respects to the European Union. Critics predict the end result will be a North American Union with its own currency that would replace the Mexican peso, U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar.

Robert Pastor, vice chairman of the CFR task force that produced the May 5 report, has suggested that a common currency might be called the "amero", which would be similar in concept to the euro, the common EU currency.

Another possible name could be the “North American Dollar” (NAD).

Considering NAFTA, which the Council of Forign Relations pushed through Congress with help from CFR members Bush 41 and Bill Clinton, reasonable Americans would be idiots NOT to suspect that a future NAU is in the making.

If there is a conspiracy, it involves globalist organizations bent on discrediting NAU critics. Sadly for me, an ardent supporter of AlterNet, its editors, like the author of this article, are drinking from CFR's treasonous NWO Kool Aide fountain.

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bohemian grove, illuminati and the new world order
Posted by: caru on Jul 19, 2007 9:59 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
hey y'all there are some grrreat videos on youtube -- check this one out >>>>>>

Secret of Washington DC 2007
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t09Mtn_D_K0

Bush Will Strike Iran it is is part of his destiny and is written on the dollar bill and the streets of DC. There are more great videos on youtube. SEARCH: bohemian grove, illuminati and the new world order

HAVE FUN!!!!!

I further recomend these works by Dennison/Teddie Tsosie:
http://www.bluedolphinpublishing.com/spirit.htm
http://www.navajosilversmith.com/bio.html

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Exactly. The EU was created, aggrandised by stealth, decisions by unelected people, and by
Posted by: albrechtkrausse on Jul 19, 2007 2:13 PM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
not telling the truth to the European public. It started as a simple coal&steel treaty between France, Germany, and the Low Countries post WWII. Then, through stealth, pay-offs (countries would get millions to join up), lies, and incrementalism we have the all-encompasing EU---where laws and regulations are made by unelected bureaucrats in Brussels and Strasbourg and where all laws are overseen by an unelected court in Luxembourg and the money is "managed" by private bankers. Keep in mind, like the NAU, people YEARS AGO were talking about a 'united states of europe' and 'ending nationalism in europe' etc even while the political pundits of the EC etc kept telling us that each new step or treaty was just simple "harmonisation" and "not to worry if is not destroying borders, sovereignity, etc". Just simple "harmonisation". Now we have a situation in which the voters in Nederland and France said "NO" to the EU Constitution and what do the unelected EU heads say?? We will just "not call it a constitution" and put it into place without voter approval!! Welcome to the EU. If the people don't vote they way they are supposed to you have two options:
1)spend millions of euros on adverts to support the position and have re-votes until the people "get it right" or
2) just put the plan into action without any public input or vote

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You are sooo right, their game isn't working this time, even though it took to long for some...
Posted by: Prophit0 on Jul 21, 2007 3:08 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
... to see it. In fact, what impresses me is how much the veil has lifted....Nothing these sell outs say is working... we KNOW and we are CLEAR about our direction after all. It was a mistake to do this now. They should have waited one more generation.
they did this with the children of the greatest generation still alive and kicking butt.

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just because your paranoid...
Posted by: johnthetreehugger on Jul 19, 2007 11:10 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The SPLC used to be a credible source... too bad they have become reactionary apologists for the powers that be... lumping eco-radicals in with neo-nazis, criticizing those who protested in Seattle in '99, and now downplaying legitimate critiques of free-trade agreements. i'm glad they mess with the nazi's, but their attacks on other movements (eco's, etc...) are tired and generally based on conjecture and bad info.

Anything associated with the free trade regime is not to be trusted. Those trade agreements do undermine national sovereignty, just not in the way that most conspiracy theorists fear.

Personally, i think the North American Union is a CFR pipedream. Too many normal patriotic consumers would stop shoppinig and start shooting if we merged with any other nation.

But the "side agreements", super highways and future free trade (read corporate mega-profit schemes) agreements are a real threat. People in Indiana are already losing their land through eminent domain for the I-69 NAFTA superhighway project. Same for folks in Mexico losing land to the Plan Puebla Panama (a big road and energy project to benefit the rich).

What the doubters need to do is look at these things through an anti-corporate control lens and not through the i'm-afraid-of-big-gummit-and-brown-people- lens that a lot of these "conspiracy theorists" look at this stuff through.

it might become a little clearer.

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Hey, I've got an even better conspiracy theory!
Posted by: thoughtcriminal on Jul 19, 2007 11:11 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
How about this one: the public relations types who work for the Republican Party love to dream up conspiracy theories and then present them to the public using secretive networks of public relations professionals!

Now, this conspiracy theory is kind of interesting - and yes, there are a lot of historical examples. Hitler and the Nazis used the "international Jewish-Communist conspiracy to destroy the German people". Here, the idea was that Jewish bankers had deliberately bankrupted the German economy after WWI as part of a secret Communist plot to take over the world. The actual culprit, of course, were the post WWI 'war reparations' that Germany was forced to pay.

The fact that far-right groups are pushing this latest 'conspiracy theory', supports this notion.

Of course, one could say that similar 'conspiracy theories' include pharmaceutical marketing programs using 'independent third-party voices', as well as payments made by the Bush Administration to media figures such as Armstrong Williams to promote Bush policies.

Astroturf is all the rage in PR circles these days, along with Internet blogging - astroturf means a fake 'grassroots movement' set up by a public relations firm like Edelman or Burson-Marstellar in order to push some corporate agenda. Examples include "The Wise Use Movement" and Merck's "Women in Government". This isn't really 'conspiracy', however, it's just business-as-usual in the US corporate media propaganda system.

On the other hand, it seems pretty clear that most of the 911TruthMovement was also a public relations astroturf campaign, designed to frame the 911 debate between 'the official story' and 'the controlled demolitions and the missle launch', as well as to make anti-war protestors look like 'wild-eyed conspiracy theorists'. That's why they got so much play in the corporate media.

The goal of conspiracy theories such as the Nazi-era one is to whip up fear and emotional hysteria. Stalin used similar strategies to justify his many purges, which were always "in response to counter-revolutionary conspiracies". As to why government leaders would want to whip up fear and hysteria, we need look no further than a quote from leading Nazi Goering:

“Why of course the people don’t want war. Why should some poor slob on a farm want to risk his life in a war when the best he can get out of it is to come back to his farm in one piece? Naturally, the common people don’t want war: neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But after all it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship…Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger.”
— Leading Nazi leader, Hermann Goering, at the Nuremberg Trials before he was sentenced to death


P.S. When is Alternet going to run some articles "debunking" the Project Bluebook - UFO - Area 51 conspiracy?

P.P.S. How on earth did the Pentagon 'lose track' of 2.3 trillion in US currency? Bad accounting? Now, THERE'S a 'conspiracy' that could use a little investigation.

P.P.P.S If I claim that that the US corporate media is entirely owned by big banks and funds that profited immensely from the Iraq war (oil and weapons, for example), and that the media routinely lies to the public to serve these corporate interests, is that a 'conspiracy theory'? Try debunking that one.

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right wing conspiracy?
Posted by: WhatNow? on Jul 19, 2007 11:20 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
"which set up a series of working groups to study cooperation in transportation, energy, aviation, the environment and more."

That statement is enough to be wary of what the SPP may really be. NAFTA's results have not been particularly appealling to a very large percentage of north americas population.

I first read of this topic from Michel Chossudovsky and Stephen Lendman, men that I would never consider to be right wing. They also just posted articles on this subject on Centre for Research on Globalization. I may or may not read those articles because this topic is not as important to me as others, but it may be a topic worthy of much discussion.

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» RE: right wing conspiracy? Posted by: michael098762001
Glad Alternet is broaching the subject but Heidi is gov disinfo
Posted by: xbj on Jul 19, 2007 11:42 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
And there's another PROVEN conspiracy theory for ya, because US gov, intel, and military propaganda campaigns have existed for decades.

Everything she's attacking is 95% correct except for the moon landing, and the jury is still out on that exercise, seeing how keen we've been since the 60's to exploit it and go "back", time and time "again".

It would be as if Columbus "discovered" America, and then no one else went back there for a century. Completely contrary to human nature, corporate greed, and military ambition.

As far as the North American Union? A done deal, barring the second US revolution against King George. Which still may come, given the fact that 80% of America (including a majority of the left as well, duh) doesn't want to become Tijuana any more than they already are. And the Canadians look upon Americans and American culture with just about the same level of abhorrence. Probably with more justification than American abhorrence at the illegal immigrant "Work all week like a dog and drive all weekend falling down drunk" ethic.

Of course, one BushCheneyCo nuke in an American city (with "Iran" painted on it, and probably mispelled) and martial law ensues, oil rises to $500 a barrel and the dollar crashes upon the "retaliatory" nuking of Iran, and all bets are off.

And that's another "conspiracy" theory for ya, one that's 98% complete.

All you have to do is wake up and smell the greed and power lust. Heidi? She's not in denial, she's on their payroll.

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» Just to stick my oar in Posted by: HeroesAll
Conspiracy theories distract from real, serious issues, here's a case-in-point
Posted by: Joshua Holland on Jul 19, 2007 12:25 PM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I agree with the readers who point out that the push towards regional "harmonization" is a very real, and very serious issue. The SPP is only harmless because it has no power. It does have influencce, and the policy mix it advocates is anything but progressive.

That's the point. Beirich thinks the SPP is "a benign and slow-moving attempt to coordinate trade and security policies in a bid to improve the lives of citizens in all three countries." She isn't listening to serious global justice advocates who point out that it may be slow-moving, but it's not benign and it ios certainly not intended to improve the lives of ordinary citizens in aany of the countries, although it is certainly couched in that rhetoric.

Why isn't she listening? Because the North American Union is so obviously a baseless concpiracy theory (I've written about it here).

This is a perfect example of why these things are so destructive -- they prevent people from understanding what's really going on. Opponents of the real push for greater economic integration are dismissed as mindless "globalphobes" who, while perhaps well-intentioned, simply lack the basic facts and the NAU crowd provides endless support for that charge.

AlterNet readers who want the low-down on why serious progressives should be very wary of "deep integration" of the North American economies won't be satisfied with the unsubstantiated stuff on the (mostly far-right) conspiracy sites. That's all they'll get in the U.S., thanks to the paranoid style of American politics, but Canadian civil society groups have an abundance of non-bullshit analysis:

Council of Canadians: "Deep integration: a timeline"

Council of Canadians: "Challenging the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America" (Notice how they say SPP "may" lead to various outcomes. They're not making great leaps of faith.)

Canadian Labour Congress: Deep "Integration in North America: Security and Prosperity for Whom?"

I may not agree with every word in these analyses, but they don't make you want to reach for you tinfoil hat.

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» RE: .Framing the debate Posted by: aurora2484
» RE: .Framing the debate Posted by: Joshua Holland
» RE: .then and now Posted by: aurora2484
» RE: .Framing the debate Posted by: aurora2484
Cthuluh came from Iraq thru the So. Pacific to Texas, that's right Texas, which ryhmes with NEXUS!!!
Posted by: applepie on Jul 19, 2007 12:27 PM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
There is a lot of misinformation being spread here by MK-ULTRA spawned militias and their 911ers. The truth is:

With the upheaval of new land in the South Pacific tremendous events began.... Another race--a land race of beings shaped like octopi and probably corresponding to the fabulous pre-human spawn of Cthulhu--soon began filtering down from cosmic infinity and precipitated a monstrous war which for a time drove the Old Ones wholly back to the sea.... Later peace was made, and the new lands were given to the Cthulhu spawn whilst the Old Ones held the sea and the older lands.... [T]he antarctic remained the centre of the Old Ones' civilisation, and all the discoverable cities built there by the Cthulhu spawn were blotted out. Then suddenly the lands of the Pacific sank again, taking with them the frightful stone city of R'lyeh and all the cosmic octopi, so that the Old Ones were once again supreme on the planet...

The cosmic octopi is behind it all. You are just too hypnotized to see. Please please wake up!!! Why won't you wake up! The vortex has moved to the Rose Room!

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» Team alien Posted by: eddie torres
» XBJ is Big On Posted by: apophenia_monkey
» Up the Haldol, down the Prozac Posted by: eddie torres
This article is just an ad hominem attack.
Posted by: justaguy on Jul 19, 2007 12:36 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Whether or not these people mentioned are unsavoury. There is some merit to their concerns. The article has little in the way of argument.

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» What? Posted by: justaguy
Conspiracy Roundup!!!
Posted by: Ghoulman on Jul 19, 2007 1:11 PM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Hi!

I'm your friendly neighborhood conspiracy and Fortean informer... let me lay out some truth about conspiracy theories in North America.

1. Conspiracy theories are urban legends with legs. Mainly because they are perpetuated by underground literature and FOX TV specials. I'd no idea about Lou Dobbs... that guy needs an enema.

2. Free Trade between the USA, Canada, and Mexico is a failure, but in any case, this is corporate monsters gobbling up markets. Sovereignty isn't even a consideration to them except that the sovereign governments better play ball.

3. Everyone loves a conspiracy theory... especially TPTB (The Powers That Be). Keeps people looking for "grassy knolls" instead of realizing the 4 shots came from the building across the street from the Book Depository (Oliver Stone is a twat, really, sheeeh).

4. Nothing ever happened at Roswell. But there is a military conspiracy to keep UFO reports secret. Ask any pilot, it's common knowledge as after WWII pilots were ordered to report any "Foo Fighters". This stuck and is part of military culture today. Note, there are no UFOs fro other planets nor is there anything at Area51 of an alien technical nature.

6. Crop Circles are made by students. They can make a large one of intricate design in less than 10 minutes. I've seen it happen.

7. The pyramids, the temple of the Sun in Mexico, Nazca lines, Stone Henge, were all made by clever people, not aliens. These people have died out however. Haha. ;p

8. Alien abduction cases are from what was only diagnosed in the mid-ninties as "sleep paralysis". Which 60% of men suffer from at least once in their lives. Women less so.

9. Saddam Hussein did NOT have WMDs, nukes, gas, or even a sharp boxcutter. This conspiracy theory, oddly, got more news coverage than any in history... but I guess it doesn't count as a conspiracy theory as the White House just made it up! Oh well, you know, it's like trying to figure out how Sirhan Sirhan managed to shoot Bobby in the back while standing in front of him. Makes the mind boggle!

... I'll stop at 9 because that's the magic number! :D

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THIS IS THE 2ND ATTACK ON THOSE WHO KNOW THAT THERE IS A ....
Posted by: poppop_schell on Jul 19, 2007 1:17 PM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
REAL MOVE TO MERGE THE USA, MEXICO, AND CHINA INTO SOME FORM OF NORTH AMERICAN UNION. THE LAST TIME IT WAS BY JOSH HOLLAND AND WHEN ASKED IF ALTERNET WOULD GIVE EQUAL TIME TO AN ARTICLE DOCUMENTING THE CLAIMS MADE BY SUCH A NOTIBLE JOURNALISTS AS LOU DOBBS, HE REFUSED TO DO SO. THAT SHOULD SAY IT ALL. THIS IS NOT A FORUM BUT A PROPAGANDA ARM OF THE GLOBALIST ELITE.

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Incompetence and corruption
Posted by: applepie on Jul 19, 2007 2:30 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The problem with conspiracy theories is incompetence and corruption. Sure, spooks and the strangleoves out there all hatch and scheme, like the good machiavillians they are, but incopmeptence and corruption will doom most of their efforts.

Meanwhile the conspiracy nuts try and posion any rational attempts to solve local, national and global problems by insisting on a deus ex machina world view that negates progressive activism and belittles human endeavor, while alienating most thoughful people who understand the overarching gravity of incompetence and corruption in modern society.

PT Barnum would have had a field day these days.

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Can we get the Canadian legal system?
Posted by: dover23 on Jul 19, 2007 2:49 PM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
This would be an instant improvement...

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2007/07/13/pot-toronto.html

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That explains it
Posted by: panama420 on Jul 19, 2007 3:17 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Well now we know the real reason he's pushing for this Immigration Reform Bill--- The SPP. If this bill is approved we're doomed.

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Another Incredibly Stupid Article From Alternet
Posted by: bcgirl125 on Jul 19, 2007 3:29 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Denying that plans for the NAU exist is like denying that there is a Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. Everyone can see it with their own eyes.

The committee trying to establish this political monstrosity is not open to the public, but it certainly isn't top secret either. There was a meeting about it in Banff, Canada, Sept 12-14 2006 chaired by foreign-policy heavyweights such as George Schultz (former Reagan secretary of state). Canada's NDP Party (note: SOCIALIST not RIGHT WING) was concerned enough about it to call for public hearings on the subject, though I don't know what became of that.

Very, very ignorant not to know about this and still write a two page article on the subject. What's next, an article saying gravity doesn't exist?

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» Don't bring me into it Posted by: Joshua Holland
N.A.U. No Theory
Posted by: taureandevi on Jul 19, 2007 3:39 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Though the right wing anti-immigration take on the North American Union, didn't sit well with me at all, the more I researched the more I see the danger in handing our sovereignty not to another nation, or union but corporate interests that are not bound by the laws of Canada, U.S. or Mexico. In Canada lawsuits reaching their Supreme Court have found they are powerless. NAFTA created the influx of illegal immigrants from Mexico since the prices of commodities dropped so low people were unable to feed their families and came North. Most "conspiracies theories" I've come across have an awful lot of truth within them, the label is just a means to discredit it.
For More of My Modern Musings

2007 Blogathon For and To Resist | July 28th - 48 posts in 24 hours | Support Community Based Progressive Change by Becoming a Sponsor.

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secrecy
Posted by: uncleeddie on Jul 19, 2007 3:40 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Conspiracy theories aside it is quite disturbing that all these so called integration and trade deals are done in complete secrecy with specific invitees who's views are given preferential weight. Anything done in secret should be cause for alarm especially in a democracy. All we have seen over the last couple decades is free trade deals being signed all the while boarders being tightend and immigration phobias being heightened in the media. Isn't that a type of conspiracy?

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» Ansolutely Posted by: Joshua Holland
It's all an accident!??
Posted by: SamFox on Jul 19, 2007 3:58 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Let's see. We have the Patriot Act. We have open borders. Something wrong with that picture? Ann Coulter said in a recent story that the Bush administration has kept the US safe from another attack. Yet the borders are open so wide any terrorist GROUP (not just individuals) could waltz right in. No conspiracy? No Plan? No method to the madness of the Patriot Act & open borders? No connection? It's a coincidence? (Ann must be nuts!!)

What about 1913? Was it an accident that the Democratic Congress with Republican help gave over the US money system to PRIVATE bankers? They had no future plan (conspiracy fits in here very well) to bankrupt the US & eventually bring it under the control of big $$ interests? What we see happening in that regard today via inflation & corporate monopolies & outsourcing of jobs via NAFTA ect is an accident?

Go to newswithviews.com, find the site search box at bottom of their page & enter, one at a time,
illegal immigration, Federal Reserve, New World Order, war on drugs & best of all, conspiracy theories. Outlawing hemp & cannabis was definitely a conspiracy. So is keeping them outlawed. So was what Congress did in 1913. (Congress had no authority to do what they did.)

I like the John Birch Society. These are by & large patriots who love the US & want to return, like Ron Paul & me, to the Constitution as the supreme law of the US. (Not saying RP is a member.) Ron Paul is ignored a lot by MSM, but is getting so hot they will have to cover him more. YouTube has a lot of RP videos. Find the one where Sean Hannity jumps in with Rudy G to twist & distort what RP said about blow back & why much of the world does not like the US. Back to JBS-the main reason they are discredited in the minds of the public is MSM propaganda. If you advocate for the reduction of gov., abolishing the Fed & going by original intent Constitutional gov., you will be hammered by MSM. That's what they did to the JBS & any one who Q's the demise of the US & points out who & why it's being done. No media bias?

Frank69: (from way above) Gimme a break. Your post says a lot about how long the US has been dealing with immigrants. I'd say, that by now, we are pretty full already. Very full. Most of the immigrants that were referred to by the various groups you mentioned were LEGAL. Last time I heard 'legal' was the opposite of 'illegal". There-in lies the difference. Q: How does leaving the borders open help facilitate the implementation of the NAU?

If any one thinks what is happening to the US is an accident & not planned, how then do YOU explain it? There are just too many negative coincidences.

SamFox

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nopartygal
Posted by: nopartygal on Jul 19, 2007 4:13 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Prophit0 -

You make some very good points but, for the love of Mike, please stop with the LOLs. They totally give off a real looney tunes feel to you and your message is lost. If you are uncomfortable with your statements, don't make them. This LOL in lieu of a nervous or sarcastic laugh is not working. Seriously.

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Why Did Mayer Amschel Rothschild - Father of Rothschild Banking Empire - Say This?
Posted by: freethink7 on Jul 19, 2007 5:57 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
**"Give me control of a nation's money and I care not who makes the laws."** The Rothschild’s are the preeminent private banking family that started the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve in the U.S. is not a federal agency, and there is no reserve. It is privately owned by a small group of international private bankers. They are responsible for all of our economic cycles of boom and bust and own this country (1929 crash; our current economic recession - buy low/sell high). They own this country = they own our politicians. World communism while subjugating civil liberties and civil freedoms is their primary objective. The Federal Reserve is a Central Bank that uses our graduated income tax to pay the interest of loans here and abroad.

It's interesting albeit disturbing to note that a central bank and graduated income tax are two separate planks in the Communist Manifesto.

Federal Reserve promotes/supports totalitarianism/communism
Federal Reserve is a supreme instrument of usury
Federal Reserve is a war machine – starting and arming both sides of conflicts
Federal Reserve controls our media in this country – they are a supreme instrument of propaganda/mind control

This is not a conspiracy theory, although every time I post something about the evil/nefarious Federal Reserve System, invariably I get some of those types of comments.

Does it matter to you that our banking system is a central bank run by a group of international bankers? Also, where is the best place to hide a "conspiracy"? Right under your nose.

Book Sources:
The Creature From Jekell Island - Griffin
Case Against the Fed – Rothbard
None Dare Call It Conspiracy - Allen
Treason: The New World Order – Gurudus

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hOW LONG
Posted by: willymack on Jul 19, 2007 6:16 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Does anyone think our country will last in its present state? Fifty years? One hundred? Ten? If the current nightmarish regime manages to somehow maintain control, regardless of who gets elected in 2008, how long then? Societies are dynamic and change over time, anyway, and if the USA disappears, I think its likely that a union similar to the one described here, will emerge.

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There's a reason for this.
Posted by: opeluboy on Jul 19, 2007 6:20 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It's called "government secrecy."

When a government becomes increasingly less transparent, the populace is going to assume, and rightly so, that something is going on that they have no knowledge of.

When a government becomes entirely opaque, as ours has, and only lies when it communicates at all, conspiracy theories are bound to flourish.

And when our own eyes reveal our goverment to be filled with nothing but liars and sycophants, it ceases to be theory.

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Illegals' spray gang graffiti on trees -- and their response upon being caught.
Posted by: Pat Kittle on Jul 19, 2007 6:22 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
If you have a problem with any of this, you're simply a racist xenophobe, end of story.

After all, individual American citizens wouldn't mind any of this, if that tiny cabal of anti-immigrant conspiracy theorists didn't tell them to.

Right, AlterNet? :-)

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The Real Conspiracy is Neocon Union Busting
Posted by: Aaunk on Jul 19, 2007 6:27 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
These conspiracy theories are crap, but the proposed highway linking Canada, Mexico and the United States is a very real danger. It is not the danger that the paranoid extremist see, but good old fashion Republican/neoconservative union busting.

Currently container shipments from Asia are unloaded at US west coast ports where the longshoreman’s union is struggling to maintain representation. Some are then loaded onto American (unionized) railroads but most are loaded onto trucks driven by Teamster union drivers for final delivery.

With completion of this highway and its associated port facilities, containers will be offloaded by cheap non-union Mexican labor, then loaded onto unsafe, poorly maintained trucks driven by underpaid, overworked, non-union Mexicans. The containers will not only be delivered on Mexican trucks to the “port” of Kansas City (where they will finally be inspected), but throughout the US and Canada.

It is a bit ironic that right wing extremist paranoia is getting in the way of Republican/neoconservative union busting.

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deleting alternet from my bookmarks
Posted by: Jack Schitt on Jul 19, 2007 7:48 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I don´t have any particular interest in the North American issue, but I resent the attempts to marginalize discussion of an issue on the grounds that it is ¨conspiracy theory.¨

It is dishonest, lazy and insulting. A week or so ago, a similar piece appeared here dismissing Rosie along the same lines. Time has come for Alternet and I to part company. I´ll checkout GNN, or perhaps readers can suggest other sites. I´m not interested in way-out stories about alien abductions and crop assassinations etc, but I do appreciate a less smugly dismissive editorial stance than Heidi shows us.

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Anti-conspiracy theorists and Establishment peer group conformity
Posted by: Dickinseattl on Jul 19, 2007 8:14 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The problem with Beirich's own Conspiracy phobia is that her critical original reference, Richard Hofstadter, who wrote about the "paronoid style", was a bit of a Rightwinger who took advantage of McCarthy communist paronoic smear against a Lefty to secure an academic position in l964. Her other problem is that most all of the conspiracies predictably come from the center-Right (Establishment) so her denial plays to a cover up for the Right. In effect, like many Leftist Internationalists of Chomsky-Berlet-Cockburn-Corn-Goodman influence, she does best what the Right cannot do, namely to give them legitiment cover from their so called adversarys. (Always the dumbass circular firing squad! Who needs enemies?) Try to understand, the Mainstream media is not your friend. Do not follow their CIA asset influence over the "cliff" like so many lemmings. Follow your brain, not your heart here. It's about justice and truth, nothing else. Some good references: the Disinformation series of books, "The 80 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time", Oilempire.US., Realhistoryarchives.com (and links), and not alternet.org.

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If Alternet is "faux left" and disinfo, it certainly is backfiring
Posted by: xbj on Jul 19, 2007 10:01 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
If Alternet is "faux left" and disinfo, it certainly is backfiring, judging from the refutation of this article and all the ratings on the comments. Even with all the shills the enemy can put on the case with their inane and meaningless waste-of-time responses.

The tipping point has definitely been reached, at least with those with computers, fellow citizens, and it is good to finally see it.

Perhaps it isn't too late after all...

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Read this article on smirkingchimp.com about the North American Union and much more!
Posted by: wireup on Jul 19, 2007 11:51 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
http://www.smirkingchimp.com/thread/8819

The Militarization and Annexation of North America

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This article is crap...
Posted by: Gisele on Jul 20, 2007 1:35 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Wolfowitz, Rove, the Cheney's, the Bush's, the Harpers, Kristol, Libby, Bloom, Bern, Reagan, Flanagan, Kissinger? What do they all have in common? Adherency to the teachings of Leo Strauss...and it would appear that Alternet has also begun to subscribe to his way of thinking and governing. Which means for the most part that from now on we should be reading Alternet as a source of "entertainment," not news, not truth.

People must be governed by the political/philosophical elite, because no one is intelligent enough to do their own thinking - so says Strauss. Not a single one of the above names would disagree. Let's take a look at what and how they really think, in small part:

Deceive: Say and do whatever it takes to get your own way, morality has no place in their "natural" way of life. The superior rule over the inferior, period. That they use wealth as a mark of superiority doesn't faze them. That they have destroyed the way of life for millions around the world has no bearing on their value to, and for themselves. That their wealth is covered in blood has no meaning, no consequence.

Religion: They strongly believe in religion! For you. They may, or may not believe - and most, if not all do not, obviously. Why do they want you to be religious? It makes you easier to control - you will set moral limits on yourself, that they have no intention of adopting. Your religiousity can be, and is, exploited. Daily. "God Bless America"...while their government is stealing, lying, manipulating and murdering people by thousands. Why should He? Still, for the Christian Right...that phrase is probably repeated at least once a day. Do those who quote even know what they're truly asking for?

Nationalism: You should be a nationalist, united on one front. Against your fellow man. Patriotism isn't encouraged, a true patriot watches to the good of his country and it's people - not necessarily to the good of the government. Country first. President second. The moment you begin to unite on common ground, a false flag appears - to once again divide and conquer. Works like a charm.

What does any of the above have to do with this article about the NAU? Most of those named are fully involved in seeing that it comes to pass. Alternet knows it. So would anyone else willing to spend time searching for the truth. August 20th will see Bush, Calderon and Harper get together to ink the "SPP" aka "Continental Integration" aka "North American Union" into existence. That where we all agree to harmonize regulations, policies and law - and you can bet they will harmonize to the LOWEST common denominator. The USA will gain the most from it, or they wouldn't be signing it. Canada will lose everything she has, and everything she was.

Natural resources will be gone...control of Canadian water/s will be at America's whim. Sixty percent of Canadian natural gas now goes to the US, if we have an emergency and need that gas - well that's too bad. America gets her 60% first, if there's any left over - Canada may use it AFTER importing it back from the US. Sweet deal huh? For whom?! Canada exports more oil to the US than any other country in the world, one million+ barrels daily...how long will it be before we have to forgive a huge debt for non-payment of oil, as we've had to do with water and the state of California? How long will it take for insurance corporations to take over the running of our health care system - another tidbit on the table. That's the tip of the proverbial ice berg.

The average Canadian knows nothing about NAU, they're not supposed to! There has been NOTHING said on any news channel, station, or newspaper about it. None of the letters I've written regarding this over the past 3 months have ever been answered. Traitors. Each and every one. Please pardon me if I detest all of these signatories and their handlers.

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» RE: This article is crap... Posted by: freethink7
Where is the U.S. left on the SPP?
Posted by: strew on Jul 20, 2007 6:53 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
As an employee of one of Canada's most progressive citizens groups, The Council of Canadians, I find it very discouraging that Alternet would publish an article that claims, "Most people familiar with the (Security and Prosperity Partnership) understand that it is a benign and slow-moving attempt to coordinate trade and security policies in a bid to improve the lives of citizens in all three countries." This may be true in America, even for the American left. But it certainly isn't true in Mexico or Canada where the movement against the SPP--and it very much a movement--is being led by progressive NGOs, citizens groups and labour unions, all of which are very familiar with the details of the SPP, at least what few details have been made publicly available by all three governments. As well as the major issue of democracy--the only people with access to the SPP process are CEOs from companies like Lockheed Martin and Walmart--Canadians are extremely concerned with how the SPP will limit action on the environment (a fivefold expansion of the Alberta tar sands is an SPP priority), how it will increase insecurity across the continent (common North American no-fly lists, immigration policies and other paranoid, Homeland Security-style security measures are called for in the SPP), and how the SPP will eventually lead us all toward a common foreign and international trade policy for the entire continent. These are not conspiracy theories. They are documented priorities that Mexican, American and Canadian bureaucrats and business leaders are currently working on despite lacking a public or democratic mandate in any country. In Canada, we also look upon the U.S. right-wing's fears of a "North American Union" with some uneasiness. As far as we can tell, full union is a pipe dream of an unpopular fringe in Canada and the United States. But that does not mean that the SPP is not worth some critical attention from U.S. progressives. If you are anti-war, anti-Homeland Security paranoia, pro-renewable energy and weary of free-trade agreements, then you should be very worried about the Security and Prosperity Partnership.

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Alternet is SOOO wrong on this story about NAU and SPP!
Posted by: Sue4986 on Jul 20, 2007 7:42 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Alternet must be a "left gatekeeper" WAKE UP! It is NO "conspiracy theory" that NAU and SPP WOULD TOTALLY finish off America and our precious Constitution! This writer is TOTALLY WRONG! NAU and SPP WOULD destroy what little of America we have left and what little of our freedoms we have! We would NOT have our precious Constitution anymore! THESE ARE FACTS NOT "CONSPIRACY THEORIES" AND ANYONE SUPPORTING NAU AND SPP IS OUT AND OUT TRAITORS, PERIOD! They are planning on bringing up by end of summer this horrorible, treasonous agreement to Congress which we MUST, MUST STOP and NOW! And spread the word about how terrorible it is and that it WOULD destroy America from within too! ALong with our precious freedoms! THESE ARE FACTS NOT SOME DAMN "CONSPIRACY THEORY" BUT FACTS! We would NO longer be called Americans but North Americanists and NO longer have our national soverighty! It is part of pure evil plan by pure evil, Satan worshipping New World Order to destroy not ONLY America but ALL nation states for one world govt' and one religion,i.e. worshipping Satan, I KID YOU NOT! This writer is SOO very WRONG on this issue! NAU and SPP WOULD wipe America and our precious Constituiton OUT, FACTS! Alternet, STOP being a "left gatekeeper" and report the truth about NAU and SPP if you want to save America!

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It's only a Conspiracy Theory when...
Posted by: Iconoclast421 on Jul 20, 2007 9:54 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It's only a Conspiracy Theory when people wake up to it and stop it from happening before it starts. If it could have been kept secret it would have happened by now. Then it wouldn't be a conspiracy theory! I swear, you're damned if ya do and damned if ya don't.

And what's with this "far right" garbage? Are you trying to be the opposite of Oreilly with his "far left" nonsense.

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I hear that the North american Indians...............
Posted by: The Big Raven on Jul 20, 2007 1:36 PM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
are taking donations to start sending the human waste back to thier REAL homelands in eroupe. Now run and hide you vermin!

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Watch out! AlterNet has been infiltrated...
Posted by: helgerry on Jul 20, 2007 2:46 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It's a familiar tactic... When an alternative media outlet is perceived as a threat to the Establishment, they send one or two people to infiltrate it, and they methodically sabotage it from within until it gets discredited... Nothing really surprising here, AlterNet is on its way down!

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HA!
Posted by: breen on Jul 22, 2007 8:10 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
"The Bush Administration has mounted a tepid effort to fight back, putting up a web page last year on "SPP Myths vs. Facts" that points out that nothing in the SPP affects U.S. sovereignty or the Constitution."

...because they're well known for their honesty and everything.

Watch this...

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RCaplan
Posted by: agualibre on Jul 22, 2007 8:48 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I would like to set the record straight that there is a growing number of individuals and organizations in the U.S. that are firmly on the left and find the SPP to be dangerous both because of the policies being promoted and because it is operating outside public scrutiny. It is not a conspiracy theory to look at the fact that Bush agreed to set up the SPP with the leaders of Canada and Mexico without any consultation with Congress. Bush claims to use the authority of NAFTA to move forward with the SPP and to justify setting up working groups of corporate execs to promote their interests.

The super-ports for the super container ships being built by China and the supercorridors like the Trans Texas Corridor are not conspiracy theories. The Governor of Texas just vetoed a 2-year moratorium pased by the state legislature which would have a Spanish corporation own and profit from the Super-Corridor built on land to be taken by the state by eminent domain. Real people came to real hearings to protest this project which led to the legislature passing the moratorium. This is just one section of super-corridors being planned which would move not only goods, but also, gas and water to the US for corporate profit.

If AlterNet had done even a cursory search of information on the SPP before publishing this article by Southern Poverty Law Center they would have found sites with a power point presentation done by Dr. Janet Eaton for the Sierra Club's Water Privatization Task Force which I chair. This gives detailed documentation. Go to http://www.sierraclub.org/cac/water It is also posted at www.thealliancefordemocracy.org

Also the Council of Canadians website www.integratethis.org is a good source of information. Follow what is happening around the SPP meeting in Montebello Quebec August 20-21. Why is a 25 KM security perimeter being planned to keep the public from coming anywhere near this meeting? Why has the meeting space reserved for a public teach-in been taken over by the army?

Thomas Friedman wrote in the NYTimes magazine back in March 1999, "You can't have McDonald's without McDonell Douglas" in the cover story entitled "What the World Needs Now: For globalism to work, America can't be afraid to act like thealmighty superpower that it is." This is what the SPP is all about and it is not a conspiracy theory.

And while we do not share the anti-immigration and other xenophobic politics with right-wing organizations which are also opposing the SPP, we have found that the information they post on the SPP tends to be quite accurate.

It is about time the left kept its focus on the power being wielded by corporations which robs this country of any semblance of democracy.

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eaglebeak from Berkeley
Posted by: eaglebeak on Jul 24, 2007 11:01 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Well, it is not as paranoid as you think. There are some in the left (like myself) that the No American Union is a problem. Bear in mind that most Socialists worth their salt do not support the Big Capitalists in their quest for global capital conquest. This includes NAFTA, GATT, and even the Kyoto Protocols!

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Alternet - naive or disingenuous?
Posted by: tomkara on Jul 25, 2007 1:54 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Simply because a particular group (such as the John Birch Society) is against something, doesn't necessarily mean that a person on the left shouldn't also be against it. While an international cooperative workers movement is desirable, a defacto world government dominated by an economic elite is not. There have been many odd bedfellows in recent times, and this may be another example where the far right and far left can agree. The movement toward globalization has resulted in vastly concentrated wealth, wreaked havoc on democratic control within national boundaries (amply described on several Bill Moyers programs), and created a veil of unaccountability and corruption that threatens our ability to determine our own futures. Simply because the far right sees something as evil does not mean those on the left should necessarily disagree. I have know many sincere right wingers whose analysis of the causes of social problems is at times whacky, but I've also seen why the left has so badly lost the faith of the working class. So often the "Left", amorous of individual rights on certain social issues, fails miserably to seek practical solutions within the context of preserving individual (or local, or national) choice. And in the case of NAFTA and other world trade agreements, the "left" has too often agreed to go along with policies that invalidate local or national control. "The New World Order" is not a conspiracy theory - it is an articulated movement that will facilitate international political domination by the economic elite. International domination by economic elites has always been a problem, but in recent decades it has become far more threatening because now national political boundaries are being effectively dismantled. Since there is nothing to counterbalance this economic-political behemoth (such as an international workers movement) we can expect in the current context of media control that this international economic elite may likely triumph. Those who are against allowing this new economic global order to completely override national sovereignty are on the right track. I do not look forward to living in a world where there is literally no place to flee to. Alternet is indeed exposing itself as either naive or disingenuous. It is certainly not helping expose the issue of merging economic-political globalism by publishing garbage like this ill-informed article.

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Who is Heidi B...
Posted by: bob t on Jul 26, 2007 1:28 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
...and does she write on behalf of The US Chamber of Commerce, and the right winger nut cases.
Does Heidi not know that Dick Morris, a Rethug Party strategist was sent to Mexico before their recent elections. And he successfully used the usual Rethug Rovian tactics to end the one man, Mr. Lopez Obrador, who was dedicated to improving the lives of the Mexican people as opposed to the lives of the 15 mexican families who own 90% of the wealth of Mexico.
She is without a doubt a right wing nut case.

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Alternet is Dead?... Bodo... pull yer head outta yer...
Posted by: Bearzerker on Jul 26, 2007 3:20 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
what other medium anywhere allows "this" kinda of interactive conversation? there maybe some sites similar but there are no other Alternet s out in the main stream blogisphere

...sure some stories here are just plain stupid... but people only click on the stories that they want to investigate and comment on the stories that have meaning [to them]...

So just STFU you stupid little manchild, grow a pair and realize that discussion is a good thing you mental midget!
Alternet if it ever dies will be replaced by something better, so no worries all... true interactive media is here to stay...

and thanx to all, for supporting interactive media by interacting your views...
here... now... on this space... don't forget to donate!

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