One of the most striking things about contemporary America is the popularity of conspiracy theories.

The list of absurd things that “everybody knows” gets ever longer. If you’re on the right, you “know” that the Deep State is subverting the administration of President Donald Trump; that the global elite is set on undermining American sovereignty; and that lockdown during COVID-19 was a dry run for totalitarian rule. If you’re on the left, you “know” that Putin has “kompromat” on Trump, probably involving urination; that the Butler, Pennsylvania, assassination attempt was a put-up job; and that the administration will find a way to cancel the midterm elections. I could go on —........

© The Japan Times