By Tim Gamble
Between Shadows and Light.
Over the decades, there have been many instances where what were initially labeled as conspiracy theories turned out to have elements of truth or were later confirmed as actual conspiracies. Here are eight notable examples. Do some of your own research into them if you doubt their veracity. Even a simple search of Wikipedia will reveal the truth for these.
1) MKUltra: Initially considered a conspiracy theory, it was later confirmed that the CIA conducted covert experiments on human subjects, aiming to identify and develop drugs and procedures to manipulate mental states. The program involved the use of LSD and other substances, often without the knowledge or consent of the subjects.
2) Operation Paperclip: This was the secret program where the U.S. brought over Nazi scientists, including those involved in war crimes, to work on American projects, especially in rocketry and aerospace. Many of these scientists played major roles in the development of America's space program. Initially a subject of much speculation, this operation was later acknowledged by the federal government.
3) Tuskegee Syphilis Study: For 40 years, the U.S. Public Health Service, in collaboration with the Tuskegee Institute, conducted an unethical study on African American men with syphilis, withholding treatment to observe the disease's progression. This was only acknowledged after public outcry in the 1970s.
4) Project Sunshine: In the wake of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the government collected body parts from deceased individuals, particularly children, to study the effects of radioactive fallout, often without the consent of the families. This was verified through later investigations.
5) COINTELPRO: The FBI's Counter Intelligence Program aimed at surveilling, infiltrating, discrediting, and disrupting domestic political organizations was initially seen as conspiracy but was later revealed through declassified documents.
6) The Business Plot: A 1933 conspiracy by wealthy businessmen to overthrow President Franklin D. Roosevelt and establish a fascist government was largely dismissed at the time. However, it was later proven by testimonies in Congress.
7) CIA's Weather Modification in Vietnam: Operation Popeye involved cloud seeding to extend the monsoon season over Vietnam, impacting military operations. This was confirmed by declassified documents. (Yet we still here conspiracy deniers claim weather manipulation is no only not happening, but impossible. They are fools turning a blind eye to history.)
8) Surveillance and Data Collection: The extent of government domestic surveillance, particularly post-Snowden revelations, confirmed what many had speculated about regarding the depth of government monitoring of citizens. They don't just spy on our foes. They also spy on you and me.
These examples illustrate that many conspiracy theories have at least a solid basis in reality, often uncovered through investigative journalism, legal proceedings, or declassification of documents.
However, this doesn't mean that every conspiracy theory is true. Many are false. And some are even intentionally planted as red-herrings to distract from the truth. It is important to critically evaluate information and to always think for yourself.
----------------------
Ad: I need new conspiracy theories. All my old ones came true. (Amazon link) - This fun and accurate T-shirt is available in several different colors, and in men's, women's, and youth sizes.
