[quote=zk][quote=CA renter]
The theory that the government doesn’t intentionally lie (for either benevolent or malevolent reasons) is naive. ;)[/quote]
If I gave the impression that I thought the government never lies, I certainly didn’t intend to. I know they lie, and sometimes even for malevolent reasons. But I don’t think that (U.S.) government evilness is the norm or even common. I think it’s pretty rare. There are people who think it’s the norm. And those are the people who are your real conspiracy nuts. And, CAR, I might have given the impression that I lump you in with those nuts. I don’t, and I’m sorry if I gave that impression. I think there’s a spectrum of paranoia, and those people are way out on the end of it. I think you’re more paranoid than you should be. But, I’m willing to accept the possibility that your fears are justified (and therefore not paranoia), and that I’m less afraid than I should be. I don’t think so, but it’s possible, and I can certainly agree to disagree with you on that. But your real nuts who always see armageddon coming and government conspiracy, I think they’re obviously wrong.[/quote]
No worries, zk. Oddly enough, I didn’t take your comments personally, but thanks for the clarification. Does that mean I’m not paranoid? 😉