Reply #17: Locking

[Lithos]

This is an inflammatory report concerning the Tsunami situation.

Note: There have been numerous conspiracy theories here in the West ranging from oil and gas exploration to HAARP to divine retribution (Phelps, etc.). The main problem with this conspiracy theory is that varied and easily discredited sources such as Al-Usbu (an Egyptian opposition paper known more for it's extreme anti-semitism) and a handful extremist clerics can garner greater press in the Occidental world than in the greater Arab world. It also tries and gives the impression that this is more than the work of a small few.

There is a difference between reporting the news and education versus catering the news to an audience that has picked what it wants to hear. The real discussion should have been why there is such a rush to report this as "news" when it is nothing more than sensationalism designed to draw attention to an agenda which would be ignored in a mundane situation. This is true for Al-Usbu and it is true for Fred Phelps.

The real net effect of all of these conspiracy theories is a very real effect on donations and support to the Tsunami relief efforts from both Oriental and Occidental sources.

Lithos
I/P Moderator
Democratic Underground