"Conspiracy Theory in America" by Lance deHaven-Smith (University of Texas Press)

Professor Lance deHaven-Smith's solid scholarship continues to make breakthroughs in examining high crimes. He coined the term
“state crimes against democracy” (SCAD) in the notable peer-reviewed journal, American Behavioral Scientist, and now he is taking on the "conspiracy theory" label in his new book, Conspiracy Theory in America, published by the University of Texas Press.

In a letter to the Journal of 9/11 Studies (http://www.journalof911studies.com/resources/2013LettersAprilde-HavenSmith.pdf), Prof. deHaven-Smith provides an excellent introduction to his book.

The book will be published on April 15 of this year by the University of Texas Press in a book series edited by Mark Crispin Miller. Conspiracy Theory in America explains that the conspiracy-theory label was popularized as a pejorative putdown by the CIA in a global propaganda program to attack critics of the Warren Commission ’s conclusion that President Kennedy was assassinated by a lone gunman with no government foreknowledge or assistance. The CIA campaign called on foreign media corporations and journalists to criticize “conspiracy theorists” and raise questions about their motives and judgments. Any and all criticisms of the lone - gunman account of the assassination were lumped together as “conspiracy theories,” declared groundless and pernicious, and attributed to ulterior motives and the influence of communist propagandists.

Conspiracy Theory in America can be purchased at the U of Texas Press's website: http://utpress.utexas.edu/index.php/books/dehcon

Prof. deHaven-Smith's book adds to the list of books published by notable university presses that provide an important discussion on 9/11 from a critical perspective. Prior to deHaven-Smith's book, The Road to 9/11 by Prof. Peter Dale Scott, published by the University of California Press, states on page 194, "... Vice President Cheney is himself a suspect in the events of 9/11 who needs to be investigated further."

Such works should provide encouragement to the community seeking truth and accountability to continue their scholarly efforts to engage the world community on these issues.

Suppressing Mass Suspicions

Excellent letter. Just as David Ray Griffin exposed the official 911 narrative as a conspiracy theory itself, we desperately need an insightful analysis around how the term "conspiracy theory" has become the put-down of our time for independent thinking. I've ordered the book and look forward to reading it.

"conspiracy deniers" term

I noticed Prof. deHaven-Smith use the term "conspiracy deniers" in his letter and book. Although the term is used to counter the label often applied on skeptics of official narratives, would another term like "state crimes denier", "high crimes denier", or "deep state crimes denier" be more suitable or do they not have the same impact as "conspiracy denier"? A general discussion on this would be appreciated.

"Deniers"

How About "Self Deniers"?

I believe when people fear the truth, they will themselves anything to keep from accepting it until their moment of clarity. The term also puts the challenge back on the individual to self evaluate. Just a passing thought.

Gook luck on the book Lance.. I look forward to reading it as well.

peace everyone.

dan