What-makes-you-question-the-conspiracy-theories-around-The-New-World-Order?

My answer on Quora.

The same reason that I question conspiracy theories about 911, Elvis Presley’s death, UFO abduction, the Obama’s birthplace and the Anti-Fluoride movement. There is simply a lack of evidence to support the thesis upon which their theories are predicated on.

Remember the burden of proof for any claim resides with the individual making the claim and as Carl Sagan put it “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence” (although it is believed that the phrase predates him…may be associated with Pierre-Simon Laplace). This is often referred to as the Sagan Standard.

Carl Sagan Source: Carl Sagan

Now I am a skeptic to begin with. I believe that this is consistent with the application of science and is certainly integral to the empiricism inherent in our Western Philosophical tradition. David Hume’s contribution is invaluable here.

Having said that though one needs to balance this skepticism with an openness to new ideas. However in the final reckoning the value of any theory must dovetail with the evidence. If it doesn’t then the solution is simple - the theory must be discarded.

Now its not just the evidence that calls into question the merits of a great deal of conspiracy mongering (which occurs on both the left and the right by the way). There is more to it than that. These are some other issues that call into question the validity of a conspiracy theory.

• The sheer number of players who would have to be involved and indeed sworn to secrecy to maintain the theory. On a practical level alone this seems to be completely unrealistic.
• The tendency by proponents to move the goal posts when the conspiracy is questioned coupled by the swiftness in resorting to the ad hoc fallacy. For those who are not familiar with the term here is the logical form of the ad hoc explanation.

Claim X is true because of evidence Y. Evidence Y is demonstrated not to be acceptable evidence.Therefore, it must be guess Z then, even though there is no evidence for guess Z. Source: Ad Hoc Rescue

Conspiracy Theory Check List Source: The Conversation: In-depth analysis, research, news and ideas from leading academics and researchers.

• conspiracy theories are often self serving. They seem to exist to confirm the worldview of the proponent instead of adding objective criticism of an established position. Case in point is the fondness by antisemites of the Rothschild banking conspiracies.
• conspiracy theories under closer investigation often conflate fact with speculation. Certain events, which support a narrative are flagrantly overplayed while others that do not are diminished in importance are completely relegated to the trivial. Weighting systems with respect to events are manipulated to satisfy the conspiracy theory.
• They fall with the slightest application of Occam’s Razor. How Occam's Razor Works. This does not mean that the simplest explanation is always the correct one. However it all too often is. Conspiracy Theories without fail never pass Occam’s razor.

Source: Occam's Razor: The Principle of Simplicity

Additional Reading

1. Popular Mechanics Investigates 9/11 Myths: FAQs
2. Among the Truthers: by Jonathan Kay
3. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-conspiracy-theory-director

Why should we not blame NZ mosques' attack on Sam Harris, Bill Maher and Douglas Murray?

My answer on Quora.

am Harris, Bill Maher and Douglas Murray have never once advocated shooting up a mosque. Nor do they encourage any violence towards Muslims. They do take issue with the philosophy of Islamism itself, which is understandable in light of the vast amount of terrorism that has been carried out in the name of the Armed Jihad.

In addition all three of these figures (who are atheists) actually support the right of individual Muslims to follow their religion (within a context that is consistent with the nation’s laws ). While they don’t agree with the central tenants of the belief system they don’t object to peaceful practice.

This was not the case with the shooter who was acting based on individual agency with the sole intent of catalyzing a broader conflict. Others have read what he has read and have not acted as such.

No, the fault of the killing lies completely with the shooter alone. He made the choice to commit violence and acted on it.

What is your take on the Donald Trump-North Korea Summit?

I answered this on Quora.

Mixed thoughts. I am not optimistic overall and I have to admit that there is a great deal that is disconcerting about both the earlier Singapore summit and of course the recent follow up in Hanoi.

Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump Source: Singapore, North Korea and Donald Trump's 'seat of the pants' success

At present though Trump is correct to walk away. By Failing in Hanoi, Trump Almost Succeeds | National Review

This is what bothers me

• Trump’s praise of Kim Jong-un. The North Korean dictator is a despicable human being. Look no further than the county’s human rights record or the way opponents of the regime or even those who have fallen foul of Kim have been terminated to see evidence of this. Kim doesn’t deserve even a smattering of praise. The fact that Trump used the phrase special relationship (normally reserved for the US-UK alliance) when discussing Kim is also cringe-worthy. There is absolutely no reason to stroke this man’s ego.
• I don’t like the fact that Trump is leading the negotiations. The leg work here should have been carried out by Mike Pompeo (and the State Dept) with Trump entering the fray at a later stage when many of the sticking points have been resolved. There is still a giant rift in positions between the two parties.
• North Korea has been playing the West for some time now. They signed agreements in 1985, 1992, 1994, 2005, 2007 and 2012 and violated everyone of them. I have yet to see a single piece of evidence indicating that they plan to discontinue this practice of double dealing.
• Trump appears to be treating the summit hoopla as an opportunity to have a big win on the foreign policy front. This is a recipe for a bad deal. Obama did the same with the weak Iranian deal and was rightly criticized for that. If Trump follows suit, placing public relations over resolute foreign policy (that reflects American strength) his efforts here will be counted as a failure. Conservatives should be no less critical of Trump then they were of Obama several years ago. North Korea has not transformed just as the Mullahs didn’t at the time.
• Trump failed to take North Korea to account for the torture and murder of American, Otto Warmbier. He spoke openly about doing so in 2017 and has walked back this promise. Taking Kim at his word here, in his claim that he was largely unaware of the details of this case, is extremely disturbing.

However this is what Trump has got right so far in his dealings with North Korea

• The US can accomplish a lot that is positive when opening dialogue with its enemies especially if the National leadership comes to the table from a position of strength. Richard Nixon understood this as did Ronald Reagan, even if extreme caution is necessary.
• In order to improve its global image in this regard and improve its case North Korea did not launch a missile test in 2018. In terms of global tension this is a very welcome sign. However not all are convinced that the Trump factor is the key driver here. Kim Jong Un launched no missiles in 2018. Here's why.
• The US recently walked away from the table when North Korea pushed forward to end the sanctions issue. This was the right move by Trump. The US holds the aces here. North Korea needs to deliver first.
• He pushed North Korea to return the remains of American soldiers killed in the Korean War. They complied. US forensic analysis says bodies returned from North Korea are likely the real deal
• He rightfully celebrated the release of detainees Tony Kim, Kim Hak-song, Kim Dong-chul by North Korea. This was carried out ahead out in May of 2018. North Korea has just released 3 American hostages
• Trump has largely acted in accordance with the current South Korean government which is seeking to amend relations with the North through negotiation. Since South Korea is in the immediate range of fire it is critical that the policies of both the US and South Korea be aligned. For the most part they have been during the Trump era.

Where do we go from here?

I honestly cannot see North Korea relinquishing their Nuclear Weapon development capabilities unless the pressure on Pyongyang is upped by an order of magnitude. Its this single ingredient that gives Kim added play in the power politics of the region. He also needs it to maintain the strong man persona that he has cultivated back home.

If Kim is to budge here I expect that China will have to play a pivotal role. Beijing has used North Korea as a reliable irritant against the West and they have more clout than any other player in turning the screws on Kim. Trump may have some leverage with China with respect to the Trade negotiations but I am not convinced that he will make use of it with respect to North Korea. He ought to but there may be other factors that are at play here.

Whatever it is, this issue will not be resolved for now. One could make the case that Kim may be turning around as he has seen the ‘light’ as this article suggests but I think such analysis is premature. Editorial: Trump has many flaws, but he deserves credit for his surprising success over North Korea

There is a reason that the menace that is North Korea has dogged presidents since Truman and it isn’t likely to disappear overnight. Its better to proceed with caution and carry a big stick than to put pen to yet another paper that will be invalid before the ink dries. Let’s wait and see.

Sources: All the Times North Korea Promised to Denuclearize

Meeting With North Korea Is a Win for America

Why did 23 GOP members vote against the bill that condemns anti-Semitism?

I answered this on Quora.

hey voted against the Resolution as it is watered down sham masquerading as a feel good statement. It has nothing to do with antisemitism and everything to do about offering cover to those that regularly engage in antisemitism.

You see the Democratic Party has an antisemitism problem. However it is loathe to admit it as Jewish voters have largely supported the Party, but the problem has existed for some time and has become much more open as of late.

Representative Ilhan Omar, with her remarks on the power of the ‘Benjamins’ and now the insinuations of Jewish dual loyalty (a very old Anti-Semitic trope) is the most obvious example. However she is not the only one to swim in these waters.

Rashida Tlaib’s ‘They forgot what country they represent’ remark hit another low point.Rep. Tlaib uses anti-Semitic line to attack Republicans' pro-Israel bill | JNS.org

Source: U.S. Jewish groups strike back at Rashida Tlaib: 'Tell us more about dual-loyalty'

Dig a little further and you will see that it goes even deeper than this. Well documented antisemite Louis Farrakhan regularly meets with the key players in the Congressional Black Caucus Raw Video of Farrakhan and Maxine Waters Leaks, Leaves Her in Difficult Position.

You may of course remember Farrakhan from these classics.

The Jews have control over those agencies of government. When you want something in this world, the Jew holds the door.”Saviour’s Day Speech, 2/25/18

and

"I believe that for the small numbers of Jewish people in the United States, they exercise a tremendous amount of influence on the affairs of government...Yes, they exercise extraordinary control, and Black people will never be free in this country until they are free of that kind of control...Meet The Press interview, 4/14/97

Source of Quotes: In His Own Words

Now he has been denounced and one would suspect that the above type of statement would not be repeated but apparently that is not the case. Nation of Islam leader Farrakhan delivers anti-Semitic speech.

Then again maybe he doesn’t have to. After all he can still share the podium with such Democratic Party luminaries as Bill Clinton and Jessie Jackson.

Should Bill Clinton have shared a stage with Louis Farrakhan at Aretha Franklin's funeral? - Jewish Telegraphic Agency

When we cut down to it, the reason is obvious. Farrakhan has a great deal of sway within the party. He speaks to a key contingent which buys him a pass with the establishment.

Take a look at this.

Barack Obama and Louis Farrakhan posing together. Source: Hidden photo of Obama and Farrakhan released in new book

This picture was apparently suppressed ahead of the 2008 election. Could this long-lost photo have derailed Obama’s 2008 campaign?

It is for this reason as well that James Clayburn, now the House Majority Whip, met with Farrakhan in 2011. Ranking House Democrat Stood On Stage With Farrakhan in 2011.

Clayburn of course was rightly denounced by Nikki Haley for his recently articulated insensitive remarks directed at the children of Holocaust survivors. These of course were initiated in defense of…guess who?…Ilhan Omar. Somehow she needed defending and Clayburn took up the fight. How noble of him. https://www.thestate.com/news/po...

Now all of this does not mean that the average Democratic Party voter is an antisemite. They are not.

However it does open up some questions (some old and some new)

• Why is a vile character like Louis Farrakhan not persona non-grata with anyone associated with the Democratic Party? The same can be said of Al Sharpton (he of the Crown Heights riot fame) who was courted by Barack Obama not once but 85 times. GOP Wisconsin House member on Sharpton at White House.
• Why is llhan Omar still on the prestigious United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs considering her obvious hostility to Jews?
• How long is the party going to continue to cover for Omar? Enough with the excuses.
• And Most importantly…..Why was this particular Resolution watered down when its original intention was to specifically condemn antisemitism? It was not supposed to be conflated with a smorgasbord of other broader topics. However this is exactly what happened.

Now some believe that the party is fighting for its soul. The fight over Rep. Ilhan Omar exposed deep divisions in the Democratic caucus. Certainly Linda Sarsour, another figure who often stokes the antisemitic flames, knows where she stands. Women's March leader blasts 'white feminist' Nancy Pelosi for Ilhan Omar condemnation

This may be the case but there is clearly something rotten within the Democratic caucus and if the party cannot purge itself of this bile then the odds will be high that it could evolve into an American version of the British Labour Party. This would be an an utterly despicable outcome. Among Britain's Anti-Semites | Harper's Magazine

Additional Sources

• Al Sharpton and the Crown Heights riots. The Crown Heights Riots | My Jewish Learning
• UK's Labour Party divided over anti-Semitism | Raw Politics