In the intricate web of the COVID-19 narrative, the term "conspiracy theorist" emerges as a historical artifact, originating in the post-Kennedy era when the CIA strategically coined it to dismiss alternative views on the tragic event. This label, once merely a tool for discrediting dissent, has evolved into a powerful instrument used in contemporary times.
Media conglomerates, accused of stifling independent voices, have expanded their influence through initiatives like the Trusted News Initiative (TNI). Established in 2019 to safeguard democratic processes, the TNI has now broadened its scope to combat "anti-vaccine" narratives online. Major media entities, including Google, Facebook, BBC, YouTube, Twitter, New York Times, Microsoft, and Reuters, actively participate in this collaboration.
The parallel between the historical use of the term by the CIA and its contemporary application by entities like the TNI raises disconcerting questions. The term "conspiracy theorist" serves as a common weapon to suppress dissent, echoing tactics from the post-Kennedy era. The historical utilization by the CIA casts a long shadow, evident today as the TNI collaborates with media giants, utilizing sophisticated algorithms and fact-checking mechanisms.This systematic approach effectively marginalizes independent voices and alternative perspectives, reminiscent of historical strategies.
In the pursuit of an open, transparent society, understanding the origins of terms like "conspiracy theorist" is vital. It serves as a necessary jolt to our collective psyche, unveiling the disconcerting reality of a narrative monopoly. The chaotic acid trip of this pandemic unfolds in a twisted dance, where the carnival of dissent becomes a vanishing act, and echoes of mainstream messaging reverberate through the distorted corridors of reality.
“Our military organization today bears little relation to that known by any of my predecessors in peace time, or indeed by the fighting men of World War II or Korea.
Until the latest of our world conflicts, the United States had no armaments industry. American makers of plowshares could, with time and as required, make swords as well. But now we can no longer risk emergency improvisation of national defense; we have been compelled to create a permanent armaments industry of vast proportions. Added to this, three and a half million men and women are directly engaged in the defense establishment. We annually spend on military security more than the net income of all United State corporations.
This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. The total influence-economic, political, even spiritual-is felt in every city, every state house, every office of the Federal government. We recognize the imperative need for this development. Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. Our toil, resources and livelihood are all involved; so is the very structure of our society.
In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.
We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together.”
- President Dwight D. Eisenhower's Farewell Address (1961)
Source: https://chronos.substack.com/p/the-birth-of-the-conspiracy-theorist