The Rise of 9/11 Truthiness

Radar reports that “nearly 40 percent of Americans believe that the government conspired in, or had precise foreknowledge of, the 9/11 attacks.” That figure may sound like something only a conspiracy enthusiast could believe, but it comes to you not from late-night college radio but from a Scripps Howard poll. Cut it in half, if you like: One in five of your fellow citizens is completely bananas, and he votes. (Here and here is some recommended reading on why.)

Granted, it’s likely that a much smaller number are as far gone as the boys and girls of 9/11 Truth goon squad (Josh Strawn wrote about the “Truthers” here), but, if I may paraphrase Margaret Mead, never doubt that a group of thoughtless citizens who ought to be committed can change the world. The unholy union of camcorders and YouTube has made it easier than ever to disseminate misinformation and propaganda, especially if your day job is sitting on the couch eating Funyuns and drinking Red Bull.