The Ten AlterNet Stories from 2008 That Outraged Readers the Most

Immigration, gender, LGBT rights, race in America, equality, fair drug laws, the dangers of corporate power in America ... these are just a few of the subjects we feature every day here at AlterNet.

Below, we've assembled the 10 stories that most enraged commenters this year -- the articles that were linked to by conservative sites, ranted about on conspiracy blogs, and inspired people to send some downright nasty notes to AlterNet. They cover topics ranging from the facts about Sarah Palin, to the truth behind America's Marijuana laws, to the backwards thinking behind various conspiracy theories.

Here are the top ten AlterNet stories that outraged readers this year: 

10. Over the Top Fed Actions Feed Conspiracy Thinking

By Scott Thill, AlterNet

By rewarding the criminals and screwing the victims, the Federal Reserve's behavior feeds into rumors and conspiracy about its true function.

9. Busting Paranoid Right-Wing Fantasies of Dissolving the Mexico-U.S.-Canada Borders

By Manuel Pérez Rocha and Sarah Anderson, AlterNet

It's time to call BS on the idea of a mythical North American Union.

8. America's Democratic Collapse

By Chris Hedges, Truthdig

In a dramatic speech, Chris Hedges warns that the nation is on the verge of becoming a full-blown corporate state.

7. Racial Extremists Are Infiltrating the Military for the Chance to 'Kill a Brown'

By David Holthouse, Intelligence Report

New evidence suggests that white supremacists are taking advantage of lowered recruiting standards to enter the armed services.

6. Why Harsh Immigration Crackdowns Will Never Work

By Joshua Holland, AlterNet

Tough-minded immigration policies keep backfiring, and the debate over them obscures the question of what really works and what doesn't.

5. White Supremacists Fantasize That Obama Will Help Them Recruit

By Max Blumenthal, The Daily Beast

David Duke and white supremacists are grappling with arrests for an Obama murder plot, while hoping an Obama presidency will be good for them.

4. Talk Radio and the Conspiracy to Kill

By Rory O'Connor, AlterNet

Would Jim Adkisson have killed without prompting from extreme right-wing talkers?

3. Debunking the Hemp Conspiracy Theory

By Steven Wishnia, AlterNet

Pot isn't illegal because the paper industry is afraid of competing with hemp -- it's because of racism and the culture wars.

2. Top Ten Most Disturbing Facts and Impressions of Sarah Palin

By AlterNet Staff, AlterNet

It's not hard to stir up negative publicity when you advocate gunning down wolves from airplanes and deny the human causes of climate change.

1. The Ultimate 9/11 'Truth' Showdown: David Ray Griffin vs. Matt Taibbi

By Matt Taibbi and David Ray Griffin, AlterNet

The two writers lock horns over the accuracy of Griffin's recent book, 9/11 Contradictions.