Sneers, Scoffs, and Conspiracy Theorists

I started a discussion at work recently mentioning the impropriety of government's recent actions to covertly pressure TrueTV to stop airing the Police State episode of Jesse Ventura's Conspiracy Theory show. The resulting responses were some sneers and scoffs hidden behind knowing smiles that had little to do with the topic of government censorship and more to do with the absurdity of conspiracy theories in general. "I don't give any heed to conspiracy theories," one coworker proudly proclaimed. "This is probably just a ploy of the producers to boost their ratings." He sat back and folded his arms triumphantly. Yes, he had solved it. I no longer had any need to worry.

But let's pretend, just for hypothetical kicks, that there is more to it.

First, it is interesting to note that this person has preemptively concluded that all conspiracy theories directed toward government are absurd, and so he must automatically disregard any evidence and instantaneously generate his own conspiracy theories implicating the free market instead.

Second, I don't deny the existence of bogus conspiracy theories, but their existence does not automatically invalidate all conspiracy theories in general. To any rational mind, it should seem ridiculous to not seriously consider this conspiracy theory which claims that the most powerful government that this world has ever seen is possibly making preparations to silence dissenters.  All of historical evidence corroborates this hypothesis. This would not be the first time that a tyranny forcibly silenced those who dare challenge its authority.

Upon further contemplation it seems that the sneers and scoffs hidden behind knowing smiles should be directed in exactly the opposite direction in such a conversation.