You would almost think that the BBC was worried about losing credibility, particularly in view of the growing influence of the internet. “Are we paranoid, delusional or just plain bored,” asked BBC Online’s Charlotte Parsons about the proliferation of “conspiracy theories” on the net. In answer Psychology Professor Cary Cooper was roped in to explain that they are simply a psychological reflex to help “stave off fear of random violence and unpredictable death.”
Which in itself sounds even more bizarre than some “conspiracy theories.”
Still, as Charlotte Parsons pointed out, in the wake of Princess Diana’s death over 30,000 Princess Di “conspiracy theory” websites had mushroomed on the internet; many of which carry Tomlinson’s affidavit. And as readers of our first issue will know Tomlinson’s affidavit is anything but a “conspiracy theory” or a “reflex to stave off fear.”
So was Charlotte Parsons aware of Tomlinson’s testimony to Judge Le Herve’s commission of inquiry into Diana’s death? When we phoned to find out you could have almost heard a pin drop when she replied:
“Tomlinson’s affidavit? No, what’s that”?
We honestly don’t think she did know. But it is a measure of the corporate culture in the BBC and the mainstream media in general that she didn’t know. And yet she and others like her can pronounce on “conspiracy theories” as if they were some psychological aberration.
Source: Why we need conspiracy theories, BBC Online 24-09-2001
See Tomlinson's affidavit at:
www.thetruthseeker.co.uk/article.asp?ID=2
Last updated 24/01/2003
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