Public Opinion Poll

[Burt Gummer]

Now before you sic your dog on me I'll have you know that i'm not with the Census Bureau.

But.. I would like to ask the members of the site about their opinion on what they consider a conspiracy theory and why.
I'm not asking this to dole out judgement, your entitled to your own beliefs. But I'd like to see where the "Overton Window" is for you, so to speak.

For instance a couple of years ago If you were critical of the Federal Reserve, you were dismissed as a nut job, now it's a presidential election topic.


Less than a year ago Preppers and survivalists were looked at as if they had a foot growing out their head now National Geographic and TLC are doing specials on them.


The king of conspiracies Alex Jones was nearly unheard of 4 years ago outside of certain circles, now his articles often feature on the front page of the drudge report.


Has your Overton Window moved in recent years? Looking back would your old you have dismissed the current you as nutty?
I hope to hear from you guys.

[NOLA556]

honestly, if common sense tells you something is bullshit, then most times it is. I can't help but chuckle a little bit at the people who get all offended when you question the official 9/11 theory. it's like simply questioning the story, and pointing out the absurdities in it is treason to these people. and many of them have the nerve to call themselves "preppers"... why? what are you prepping for? China?

[sledge]

My views have changed drastically in the past 3 years.  Primarily because before I wasn't looking, I was coasting along.  I believed everything the government spoon fed me.  Why wouldn't I, they work for us and on our behalf.

Now I second guess just about everything they say.  Because I found out they were BSing me all along for their own benefit.

What pisses me off most was discovering a lot of the things I believed most of my life were a lie.

[JohnyMac]

I have always been conspiracy theorist to one degree or another. I have always done well with friends, spouses and bosses who tell the truth and nothing but the truth. Once you know the truth you can fix things. With only half the story you run around in circles. What's even worst is half truth's and the other half lies. Remember the best lies are made up of 90% truths.

Concerning our countries situation my conspiracy meter has gone up a lot of late. I am now listening to people like Ron Paul, Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh and others with a more tuned ear. I am researching things on the internet and in libraries more now then ever before. I read books now not just for pleasure (Parker, Crais, Rawles) but to educate myself (Pain, Jefferson, Ambrose).

In my life I can give you many examples of when I questioned or challenged the system and good things came from it. Profits increased.  Employee retention and moral increase; And ultimately the customer benefited.

However when I was not allowed to question things and / or given misinformation those three legs of the stool faultered and things came crashing down. Sorry to put things in business terms but that is who I am.

Remember; "Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear." Thomas Jefferson 

[EJR914]

Yes, the Overton Window has shifted, and Yes, the me of 5 years ago, would have seen the me of now as nutty.   [URL=http://www.smileyvault.co