Huwy said:
Which is what you've just admitted to, is the other side of the issue - that most people will go "ARRG!! conspiracy theory!" and just blow it off, because of all the bullshit conspiracy theories out there.
I think I am saying something quite different, but obviously not saying it clearly enough.
Conspiracy theories emerge, in my view, when there has been a screw up of some kind - more likely multiple screw ups. Cover ups fall into place, not co-ordinated from above by unseen puppet masters, but by the little guys near the coal face, trying to cover their butts.
So each time I see a conspiracy theory I see underneath it exactly that kind of limited thinking; short term; small agenda; protecting a very small territory. Conspiracy theory would demand an expansive, long term, broad based approach. Rarely, I suggest, is that present.
In relation to 911, from what I have read, there were some crap decisions made that day and likely earlier. Incompetence, etc, yes. But I do not see conspiracy.
my general take on conspiracies is that behind every alleged one lies an ocean of incompetence, malfeasance and indifference.
I have highlighted the key word in the sentence. I do not say there are no conspiracies: I say most are figments of imagination. Moreover, as you point out, fuss over imaginary conspiracies detracts from attention to real ones, and, I would add, the much more commonplace of a job poorly done.