Conspiracy Theories

[Elendil_s_Heir]

@Gretchen Ross

What’s also really interesting are the strange connections between the assassinations of Lincoln and Kennedy…things like: Lincoln’s secretary was named Kennedy, Kennedy’s secretary was named Lincoln; and both successors were named Johnson. Probably pure coincidence, nonetheless, the Lincoln assassination is also surrounded in controversy. Or so I’ve been reading.

That list of “amazing coincidences” has been going around for a long time, and is mostly spurious. Take a look at: Are These 'Coincidences' Linking Lincoln to Kennedy Real? | Snopes.com

[BJMoose]

@Elendil's Heir

That list of “amazing coincidences” has been going around for a long time, and is mostly spurious. Take a look at: Are These 'Coincidences' Linking Lincoln to Kennedy Real? | Snopes.com

Just a little reminder of how common coincidence is, especially if one goes looking for it.

I find it interesting that there are some folks with a predilection for conspiracy theories. Consider James Fetzer, who fancies himself the head of the “only” group applying science to the JFK assassination (I think that means his tinfoil hat was designed by a guy with a PhD in metalurgy). On the front page of his web site you’ll find, in addition to the Kennedy assassination, such topics as the moon landing, 9/11 and - get this - the plane crash that killed Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone.

During the last JFK thread in GD I started kicking around the idea of starting a thread discussing the psychological bent that makes some folks suspect conspiracies at every turn. I may do it yet.

[Sternvogel]

@Elendil's Heir

That list of “amazing coincidences” has been going around for a long time, and is mostly spurious. Take a look at: Are These 'Coincidences' Linking Lincoln to Kennedy Real? | Snopes.com

This page appears to nail down the origin of the “Lincoln had a secretary named Kennedy” canard. As written by Jim Bishop, the original statement (with “he” and “his” referring to Lincoln) was:

When he became president, in 1861, one of the persons most worried about his safety was John Kennedy, Superintendent of Police in New York.

[Intelligently_Designed]

Looks to me like there’s a conspiracy to litter the Internet with silly conspiracy theories so nobody believes them.

Of course. That’s what they want.

[Siam_Sam]

I present to you the world’s weirdest/stupidest conspiracy theories.

[KGS]

Well, the clown’s trying to kill me and the toaster’s been laughing at me…

My favorite is 4/29truth. (Yes, I know it’s a parody site.)