Add to this what seems like some sort of psychological need to feel like things are being controlled in secret in an almost religious manner, and the dual need to feel privy to that secret knowledge, and you get what we have now. The only thing in my personal life I can compare it to at all is the UFO craze in the 1970s. This was a strange time when even the President was saying he had seen them, even though something unidentified viewed optically from the ground is hardly news. When you are around “true believers” it becomes in some ways like a cult, with willing disbelief in the facts and creative explanations for their lack.

There absolutely is no arguing with those fully indoctrinated. There is no common ground they recognize. I tried to enjoy some “live” YouTube videos of the original Apollo 11 landings for this past 50th anniversary. They had live concurrent chats and while many were just enjoying the memories and the marvel of it all, a flood of people descended to claim it was all fake. I remember when most of this started with a movie named Capricorn One in the 70s (there was also a junk book around the same time, but it didn’t have the exposure the movie did). To think it would have grown to this degree by now was never in my wildest imagination.

Usually I don’t waste my time w/ conspiracy theorists But when I do respond to a “Prove I’m wrong” claim, it is usually just a simple “You are wrong.” and when they claim I didn’t prove that, I point out: “I’ve given as much proof for my statement as you have for yours.”

I rather like that.

Thanks. I managed to get there, with your help.

Ultimately, there is no arguing with conspiracy theorists, because they cheat. To wit, they make outrageous claims, then demand you prove they’re wrong. (Which will never convince them anyway, but…) In the reality-based world, it is generally understood that if one makes an extraordinary claim, the person making the claim has the burden of proof.

In Conspiracyland, extraordinary claims are their stock in trade. So the response is always “Prove I’m wrong!” Never respond to this, because life is too short, they won’t change their beliefs, and they’re insane.

Also, never gaze at clouds and ask what shapes they see. You will flee in terror.