Conspiracy Theory in America

Lance deHaven-Smith

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English

University of Texas Press
15 February 2014

History; Conspiracy theories

Series: Discovering America

Ever since the Warren Commission concluded that a lone gunman assassinated President John F. Kennedy, people who doubt that finding have been widely dismissed as conspiracy theorists, despite credible evidence that right-wing elements in the CIA, FBI, and Secret Service-and possibly even senior government officials-were also involved. Why has suspicion of criminal wrongdoing at the highest levels of government been rejected out-of-hand as paranoid thinking akin to superstition?

Conspiracy Theory in America investigates how the Founders' hard-nosed realism about the likelihood of elite political misconduct-articulated in the Declaration of Independence-has been replaced by today's blanket condemnation of conspiracy beliefs as ludicrous by definition. Lance deHaven-Smith reveals that the term ""conspiracy theory"" entered the American lexicon of political speech to deflect criticism of the Warren Commission and traces it back to a CIA propaganda campaign to discredit doubters of the commission's report. He asks tough questions and connects the dots among five decades' worth of suspicious events, including the assassinations of John and Robert Kennedy, the attempted assassinations of George Wallace and Ronald Reagan, the crimes of Watergate, the Iran-Contra arms-for-hostages deal, the disputed presidential elections of 2000 and 2004, the major defense failure of 9/11, and the subsequent anthrax letter attacks.

Sure to spark intense debate about the truthfulness and trustworthiness of our government, Conspiracy Theory in America offers a powerful reminder that a suspicious, even radically suspicious, attitude toward government is crucial to maintaining our democracy.

By: Lance deHaven-Smith
Imprint: University of Texas Press
Country of Publication: United States
Volume: 6
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 23mm
Weight: 399g
ISBN: 9780292757691
ISBN 10: 0292757697
Series: Discovering America
Pages: 272
Publication Date: 15 February 2014
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Reviews for Conspiracy Theory in America

An intriguing take on the origins and implications of conspiracy theories and the paranoid mindset itself... Confronted with these compelling arguments, even the most incredulous readers will find themselves questioning their own preconceived notions of paranoia, governmental transparency, and conspiracy theorists. Publishers Weekly