Source: http://media.www.thepinelog.com/media/storage/paper954/news/2007/04/02/Opinion/Societys.Conspiracy.Against.Conspiracy.Theo...

Society's conspiracy against conspiracy theorists

By: Brian Feltch

Posted: 4/2/07

Last week, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban thrust himself in the public's crosshairs when he announced that his production company, Magnolia Pictures, will distribute Loose Change, an incendiary documentary claiming 9/11 was an inside job. While the public loathing and countless gallons of op-ed ink dedicated to crucifying Mr. Cuban does not come as a surprise, it illuminates an important and pervasive trend in our modern global society. When issues that make people squirm are brought to the fore, debate is hastily labeled conspiracy theorizing and those engaging in that debate are considered foolish fanatics. This is poisonous to the free flow of ideas and, ultimately, the quest for a truthful and complete account of history. For scholars to come to any sound conclusion surrounding important historical events, any reasonable debate should be addressed fairly.