Conspiracy theories

The term is pretty commonplace these days: Conspiracy theories.

For me, the first time I ever remember hearing the term ‘conspiracy theories’ was back when Trump was saying then Senator Obama was not born in America and therefore could not run for the office of the presidency. I found it laughable back then. So obviously unbelievable. Then there was a theory when Trump was running for president against Hillary Clinton. “Pizzagate” happened, and it was about children being sold in the basement of a pizza parlor. And, there were more fake stories to come: about emails, and laptops. Conspiracy theories popped up all the time once Trump took office about fake voters, and illegal voting machines, and Haitians eating the cats and dogs in Colorado and Ohio. The biggest, of course, was what led to the Insurrection on Jan. 6th. These theories were posted on “Truth Social” and those who followed the site believed them wholeheartedly. It became an easy way to lie, and to just make up something…. Until it could be disproved. And, disproving takes time. The news moved on.

So, last night while I was watching the White House Correspondents Annual dinner and all hell broke loose in the ballroom in the Washington Hilton, my mind went right to it being fake. A set up. A conspiracy theory. I watched as the president, First Lady, the VP, dignitaries, top people in government, and others were quickly whisked out of the room and men in tactical gear jumped up on the stage. Within seconds there were military style men pointing rifles and Secret Service men were running everywhere.

It took time to figure out that a person with a gun had jumped through the security area, one floor above the event. He was quickly taken down but there were gunshots. One Secret Service man got hit and thankfully he was ok, for he had on a protective vest. It was over in seconds. But the event had to be cancelled.

This morning, we do not know yet how many gunshots ran out, and from what guns they came from. We don’t know if the security detail had momentarily let down their guard since most everyone was in the ballroom. We don’t know a lot yet. Were others in on it? Should all attendees have quickly left? Let’s hope there is a full investigation into the man that was tackled. We NEED a full investigation on all the actions that led to what happened.

But, I must admit, I have my doubts. Will we learn more? Will this frightening night just become another in a long list of dramatic events?

Was this really all a set up?

We know Trump has had a chip on his shoulder about the annual correspondents event. He was made fun of there. He has been very very vocal and mean spirited about the US press, especially this past year, and he feels they mistreat him. His ego can’t take it. Trump is a narcissist and cannot handle being found wrong. He love to blame others, never himself.

There was talk leading up to the night that Trump was going to attend last night’s dinner, give his message (whatever it was to be) and then leave. He was not going to stay for the awarding of student scholarships In journalism, and for the Kaitlin Collin’s award for her work covering the White House. He had belittled her a few times, and he did not want to see her win something. (Only Trump likes to win!)

So…. Yes, I am now at a place where my mind goes to this being a made up situation. My first thoughts are this is not real. A distraction. A farce.

To top it off, Trump quickly put together a press conference once he was back in the White House. During his remarks he said that the Hilton Hotel was not secure enough and HIS grand ballroom plans would be a way to feel more protected. Of course, this was NOT his event. It was a celebration of journalists, put on by the correspondents association. Trump was an invited guest. All of the government leaders there were invited guests. Most were only there to enjoy the dinner, to watch, and to give a nod to the career media workers. This was NOT a Trump event. In fact, he had not attended it for years.

So, I sit here – and I wonder: Am I becoming cynical? Or, am I being fooled? Or does Trump think he fooled the press? Will this turn into one more crazy thing that has happened during the Trump presidency? (By the way, who was the soldier who was rescued in Iraq and how is he doing? And what about the shooter from the rally in Butler, PA?)

Are we being duped? Or, are we sadly watching an uptick of violence due to this president? Or is he like the boy crying wolf? After a while we don’t really think a wolf is to be found anywhere. It’s just a shout to keep us wondering. It’s just another conspiracy theory.