I find Above Majestic disturbing. Why? It’s not just the wild theories regarding extraterrestrials and nazis. It demonizes segments of the population with the aim of creating division and paranoia. It also calls into question all of conventional thought and the education system as a whole. If I’m understanding the gist of the thought process, it would have us believe that everything ever taught in schools, everything that can be found in published works and everything in the media is disinformation. That seems like a goto strategy for any group to explain why their version of events is true when they are in conflict with substantiated fact. The strategy isn’t new. Conspiracy theorists used the same push buttons about child welfare in the early 80’s to nix the Comprehensive Child Development Act and push back on the feminist movement when women were trying to enter the workplace and assert their independence.

And they sprinkle in a few obscure but plausible tidbits about people, places and events in an attempt to substantiate the concoction. Seems to be working, and I’m saying that because I personally know individuals that seem to have bought it hook, line and sinker.

So what is the take away? Fact check such theories before spreading them as “truth”. Look closely at who will benefit from the fear and distrust that a story is attempting to create. What does my gut tell me about those spreading hate as opposed to those they’re vilifying. Look in their eyes and search for compassion and humanity. Who is really the victim?

Anyway, I think “The Illuminatus Trilogy” would be a great antidote for this hysteria if you could get someone in the grips of it to take the time to read it. At the very least, it brings a sense of humor to the apocalypse and the notion of an all-powerful cabal.