9/11 CultWatch

Who is keeping the 9/11 truth movement going?

Thank you to my correspondent FP who pointed out to me that the famous far-right web forum Stormfront offers space to the 9/11 Truth movement.

Indeed a whole sub-forum on the History and Revisionism board is devoted to 9/11 Truth. I guess any political movement, past its peak, needs the hardcore, and the movement's base, to keep it going........

Half Truth Movement: How the 9/11 Cult Falsifies History

Just before the Christmas break I finally got round to putting my 2008 Anarchist Studies network conference paper onto my academia.edu page. 

"Half Truth Movement: How the 9/11 Cult Falsifies History" is some six years plus now in terms of age, but I do hope it has stood the test of time. You can download the article as a pdf here. Comments are welcome. 

Daniel Finkelstein on Anti-Semitism and Conspiracy Theory

The Times has a two page piece today, by the above, on the rise of anti-Semitism in the UK. 

He puts this down to two things - 9/11, and the development of social media and electronic correspondence. We could say rather similar things about the development of conspiracy theory, although as with anti-Semitism, these are phenomena that long pre-date the latest gadget or terrorist outrage.  

Of 9/11, Finklestein comments:

When baffling events happen, planes coming out of a clear blue New York sky, people look for an explanation, a wrong that can be righted, an appeal that can be made to reason. And very often in history, the answer involves doing something about the Jews. 

I have not yet read a substantial analysis of contemporary British Islamic anti-Semitism. But when one is written, I suspect it will begin with a very similar starting point to Finkelstein's post 9/11 analysis. 

 

The Challenge of Conspiracy Theory

I have just finished reading a fascinating article on individualist anarchism by Peter Ryley, an author many visitors to this blog will be unfamilar with. His "Individualist Anarchism in Late Victorian Britain" examines the views of activists and writers such as Henry Seymour and Albert Tarn and their rejection of socialism, anarchist communism and monopoly capitalism. 

Ryley's article (in Vol 20 No.2 of Anarchist Studies, back in 2012) comes up against a significant problem when it comes to Henry Seymour. He was what we would now refer to as a conspiracy theorist. Whilst some of this was harmless (he believed the Jesuits were behind the Jack the Ripper murders, and that Francis Bacon wrote the works of William Shakespeare) his anti-Semitism is something Ryley takes seriously. The dangers of such beliefs are skillfully set out:

...in the 21st century conspiracy theories abound. Climate change denial is a near univeral belief amongst right libertarians, the 9/11 'Truth' movement has attracted even mainstream figures to its fringes, whilst much contemporary, obsessive anti-Zionism bears the distinctive stamp of older anti-Semitic discourses. These ideas may not be central, but they are distatsteful and dangerous intellectual baggage that needs jettisoning. Open discussion and historical exploration is a neccesity if ever we are to banish this poisionous legacy from radical thought. 

(Peter Ryley, Individualist Anarchism in Late Victorian Britain, Anarchist Studies Vol 20, No.2, 2012, p.94)

There are one or two quibbles I could make here. In my experience 'right libertarians' do not neccesarily deny climate change. They deny whether it is man-made, and/or whether the behaviour of a small nation like the UK can have any affect compared to that of economic giants such as the US or China.
Open discussion may work with conspiracy theorists, but only so far, as anybody who has tried to debate with a truly committed believer in peculiar discourses may well discovered. With supporters and fellow travellers, rational discussion can win the day. When it comes to the true obsessive, you may get tired before they do. 

Still, Peter Ryley is clearly an author to watch out for. 

Flight M3570 Conspiracy Theories: The Rothschilds Again!

I have somewhat lacked the will and energy to battle through all the conspiracy sites and claims about the fate of the missing Malaysian airliner. 

I do note that one particular claim unites several recurrent conspiracy themes - anti-Semitism, a powerful dynasty - in this case the Rothschilds, the scramble for new technology and a core player in contemporary conspiracism - the news channel Russia Today.
This particular gem centres on the idea that Jacob Rothschild has now become the sole-holder of a semi-conductor patent, following the death of four colleagues on the tragic flight. The Spanish language version of Russia Today apparently presented this as news, and it has now been taken in a million different directions by online researchers.  

For the original Spanish article go here. If you can bear to do so, you can read an example of some of the whackier Rothschild claims, which also brings together energy weapons, the US-Russia stand-off over Ukraine, the UK, US, Israel and a Malaysian war crimes tribunal, here. 

The Monday Summary – Spiked, Aymeric Chauprade and Dieudonne

This occasional feature looks to bring together some of the articles and issues which have either caught the eye of 9/11 Cultwatch, or have been passed to us as important, by our contributors. If you see something that you feel may interest us, do contact either Paul Stott or Larry O’Hara.

In historical terms it has arguably been very difficult to discuss conspiracy theory without reference to anti-Semitism. As part of a wider examination of ‘The Jewish Question’ the Spiked on-line magazine ran an editorial on 3 February considering how contemporary conspiracy culture has made anti-Semitism respectable. We might add that it is such conspiracy thinking, along with the rise of Islamism, that gives contemporary anti-Semitism its impetus in Britain.

Over on the political right, the Gatestone Institute reported on 6 February that French Front National leader Marine Le Pen is guided by her Foreign Policy Advisor, Aymeric Chauprade. Little known in the UK, Chauprade was dismissed from his lecturing position at the French Military Academy in 2009, after adopting what could be seen as a conspiracist position on 9/11. There appears very little in English on or by Chauprade – for example all 22 links on his Wikipedia page are in French, as are all of the weighty articles comprising his collected works. This American far-right blog appears about the best English language source available, and quotes Chauprade thus:

“It’s true that I present the theory (of an Israeli-American conspiracy) in a favourable light, but I don’t say it’s my position. I wanted to show the opposition between two ways of seeing the world, aware that half of humanity thinks the 9/11 attacks were the result of a conspiracy, and not the work of al-Qaida Islamists.”

With advice like that, Ms Le Pen is going to get worse, not better.

Staying across the channel, the comedian  Dieudonne has featured on this site on a few occasions, due to his past association with 9/11 truther Thierry Meyssan and his anti-Zionist party. There is clearly money in jew-baiting – a police raid has uncovered 650,000 Euros under the bed in Dieudonne’s home. All those comparing him to Bernard Manning were clearly in error. If Dieudonne has a British inspiration, it is surely the Inland Revenue’s greatest opponent, Knotty Ash comedian Ken Dodd?  

Conspiracy Theory: The Times Gets It

The Times today ran a front page, editorial and page 4 article on Labour peer Baron Ahmed of Rotherham.

In an interview with a Pakistani TV station, Lord Ahmed has allegedly blamed his prison sentence for dangerous driving in 2009 on a Jewish conspiracy, brought about because of his work in support of the Palestinians. He appears to have believed a Judge was sent from London to sentence him as a result of pressure from Jews.

As so often with such arguments, the facts are somewhat different. The judge who sentenced Ahmed, Mr Justice Wilkie, was the Presiding Judge of the North East Circuit. Encouragingly, in its editorial The Times demonstrates that it actually grasps that what often appears to be merely conspiracist nonsense actually has a political impact :

"There will not be lasting peace in the Middle East with a just settlement between a sovereign Palestine and a secure Israel while conspiracy theories about the Jews are disseminated. Inoculating young and impressionable British Muslims from the theocratic hatreds of al-Qaeda requires the confronting of hoary anti-semitic myths. How shameful, how scandalous that a British parliamentarian should be promoting them."

 

 

 

Conspiracist Quote of the Day: 2

Headline news in the UK yesterday was the Leveson Inquiry into the conduct of the media.

All a waste of time if they had consulted David Icke, who in this mailing of 30 December 2010, reminds us that the media (and just about everything else) is controlled by the Rothschild-Zionists:

"that the Rothschild Zionists control the mainstream media; Hollywood and the movie industry; governments, not least in the United States; and crucially in the light of current events, they control global finance and commerce."

Have Truth Activists Been Defeated In The Anarchist Movement?

Touring the stalls at the Anarchist Bookfair in London on Saturday, several thoughts emerged. 

Firstly, that for all its faults, the Anarchist movement remains vibrant, and in far ruder health than the last century left. As new struggles and debates emerge during the Con-Dem years, Anarchist ideas and agitation will present an alternative, both here and abroad. 

For nearly a decade now this blog, Notes from the Borderland magazine and a small group of supporters, has worked to reduce, and where possible eliminate the influence and presence of 9/11 and 7/7 'truth' activists in progressive politics. Conspiracy theory weakens the alternatives we are trying to build to the existing system, and worse encourages a world view based not around the reality of the domination of the class system, corporations, political elites or global capital, but instead a world view that is irrational, illogical and all too often racist. 

The anti-war, Green and Anarchist movements have all been targeted by truth activists in the UK in recent years. Walking around the Anarchist Bookfair on Saturday the scale of their defeat, in the Anarchist movement at least, became apparent. There ideas have no resonance, no presence and no influence. 

This blog is proud to have played a small part in bringing that about. Thank you to everyone who has helped us, especially our informants in both the 9/11 and 7/7 'truth' movements. Don't you just love it when a plan comes together? 

Islamist 9/11 Truther Dr Zakir Naik Banned From UK

On one level, 9/11 presents a rather similar challenge to some Islamists as the Holocaust presents to European fascists. Albeit on a vastly different scale. Put simply, if your ideology or belief system is so brilliant, how do you explain these acts carried out in its name? 

One response that emerged within fascist organisations was simply to deny the Holocaust. Hence the time parties like the British National Party spent in the 1980s distributing newspapers such as Holocaust News (a classic example of holocaust denial) or the pseudo-academic efforts put in by David Irving, Fred Leuchter and others. Under this schema, in a cynical twist, one of the prime targets of the holocaust, Europe's Jews, are actually blamed for fabricating the entire process. 

Some in the Muslim World have looked to explain away 9/11 in a similar manner. Either the old staple of Zionism is blamed, or the United States did it to themselves, or a combination thereof. After all, if Islam is a religion of peace and justice, its adherents cannot have carried out the murder of over 2000 civilians (including many Muslims) on 9/11? 

I am grateful to my friends over at Harry's Place for spotting that Indian Islamist preacher Dr Zakir Naik, banned by the Home Secretary from entering the UK this month for a series of scheduled talks, is a keen 9/11 truther. 

What a surprise. 

Here is Dr Naik waffling away on the issue, if you can bear it. He seems to be a no-planer. 

Just When The Election Campaign Could Not Get Any Worse - David Shayler Appears!

Well you can't get a good man down (or woman, lets not forget Delores!). 

David Shayler, the poor man's David Icke, has popped up in the general election campaign down in one of his old stomping grounds - Totnes in Devon. Yesterdays Guardian spotted the white coated one campaigning for an 'independent' candidate Stephen Hopwood. In a move that could have been designed to remind us all of the importance of the National Health Service, Mr Hopwood is apparently a practitioner of complimentary medicine. 

Hopwood's website announces he is standing on a single issue - truth. Given the trouble David Shayler has had with the concept over the years, it is perhaps a good idea for the two men to get together! Only a few weeks ago Hopwood was to be found speaking with another former MI5 officer (is a pattern emerging here) Annie Machon at the Totnes truth festival. Well you will certainly get a form of truth out of Agent Annie Dr Hopwood, the trouble is there is usually another, entirely different truth along half an hour later! 

Do send further sightings of 9/11 'truth' input in election campaigns in your area to us. 

Freeman On A Freewebsite? Only Providing You Agree With Us!

Amusingly I have received a yellow card over at the David Icke forums. 

Waffling on about the Jews, stating how great Nick Griffin is or presenting the claim that the only black President in America's history is in fact a foreigner are all par for the course over there - criticising those sometimes involved in 9/11 truth is it seems, not. 

Here's the message I received from 'Dr Hemp': 

Dear paulstott,

You have received an infraction at David Icke's Official Forums.

Reason: Criticising Moderation on the Forum - First Notice
-------
This thread is to let people know about a Truth Event and to bring people together. It is not for you to attack the speakers or to offer you a platform for your ongoing campaign to slander Annie Machon. I understand you have your own web site where you do that - http://www.911cultwatch.org.uk/ - here you are free to promote the official fairy tale of 9/11 and attack the 9/11 truth movement.

I think the fact I deleted the first message should have given you a hint that attacking other researchers on here is not permitted, neither is criticising moderation on the open forum. 3 points are given, please take time to familiar yourself with our guidelines if you wish to continue posting here.

http://www.davidicke.com/forum/announcement.php?f=4&a=2

A Reply From Rev Ray Gaston

I decided to email yesterdays article re the Birmingham Interfaith Statement on the Moscow Suicide bombings, to signatory Rev Ray Gaston for comment. 

Here is his reply:

E: A Quick Question on the Interfaith Statement

Thursday, 1 April, 2010 13:07

From:

"Ray Gaston" <>

Add sender to Contacts

To:

"Paul Stott" <>

Hi Paul
I was asked to sign the statement by Adam of Saltley Peace group and it seemed a good statement to me so I signed it.
Ray

The Curious Case of the 7/7 Conspiracy Theorist and an Interfaith Statement

One of the most prominent contributors to the cause of 7/7 'truth' has come in the form of Dr Mohammad Naseem of Birmingham Central mosque. 

Within days of 7/7, with Londoners grieving at the loss of life, Dr Naseem was given a public platform by West Midlands Police, which he used to express the view that British Muslims were not involved in the attacks. Last year the BBC's conspiracy files series found Dr Naseem distributing 200 DVD's around his mosque, entitled 7/7 Ripple Effect which propagates the view that Israel was at the centre of the attacks.

Such views do much to encourage portrayals of British Islam as irrational, reactionary and unable to face up to the violent minority in its midst. How interesting then to see Dr Naseem as a signatory of an 'Inter faith statement' on the recent Moscow suicide bombings.
This does not appear to be much of an inter faith statement - only two religions are represented, and the religion of many of those killed - Russian Orthodox - unrepresented. Of the signatories, two of the four are associated with Birmingham Central Mosque - Adam Yosef, and Dr Naseem, whilst we also have Birmingham's Green Lane Mosque, and the brilliantly titled 'Interfaith Enabler' from Birmingham Methodist Church - one Ray Gaston. 

It would be interesting to hear from Rev Gaston how he thinks 'interfaith dialogue' is enabled by saying the Jews carried out 7/7? 

'Dr Hemp': Anti-Semite

One of the moderators on the David Icke forum is an individual who calls himself Dr Hemp. His real name is Chris Bovey. 

You may have spotted Dr Hemp's advertisements for a range of legal highs in alternative publications, most notably Fortean Times. He also trades as Pot Seeds. 

As well as a commitment to 9/11 truth and getting stoned, one of the good Doctors core beliefs is racism, demonstrated in the particular form of anti-semitism. One wonders how many of those he does business with, including the publications he advertises in, are aware of this. Take for example Dr Hemp's comments on this thread about the notorious anti-semitic forgery The Protocols of the Elders of Zion.
On 25 March at 12:35, to Dr Hemp we should not be concerned about whether the Protocols are fake, but are they accurate? He quickly answers his own question, stating that whoever wrote them had a good insight into the future. Yes folks, in this analysis the Jews run the world, and everything is their fault. I think we all know where this type of politics ends up............

It was perhaps no surprise that Dr Hemp's good friend David Shayler began jew-baiting not long after arriving in the world of 9/11 'truth'. Shayler has carried on going down hill since then, but for the sake of others in Dr Hemp's orbit, be it in Devon or elsewhere, we need to be clear just how despicable his brand of politics is. When I made the point on the Icke forum that Dr Hemp and Shayler appear to be a pair of anti-semites, Dr Hemp responded in the way that truth activists so often do when challenged (cf Tony Gosling on his 9/11 'truth' forum) - he deleted my post! And these people complain about censorship from the Neocons and New Labour. Physician heal thyself! 

I urge all those with principles to boycott Pot Seeds and Dr Hemp's various business interests. 

The Morning Star Shoots Itself In The Foot

Thanks to Darren Redstar for drawing our attention to Dave Osler's article exposing The Morning Star and its decision to push Nick Kollerstrom's book on 7/7.

The 'daily paper of the left' needs to explain itself - and quick!

More on Shayler/Delores Kane

David Shayler is to be found hamming it up in the Independent today, as the lovely Delores Kane gets another outing. Noticably he also returns to one of his old themes - 'Zionism', in this interview with Cahal Milmo.

We Know Blair Is Bad, But Please

This little gem comes courtesy of David Icke's e mail newsletter of 11 July. Coventry City's former reserve goalkeeper says of Tony Blair:

"... should he become EU President he will take Europe to war for his masters, the Rothschilds. They want a Third World War involving Europe, North America, Russia and China to bring in their world government dictatorship".

Of course they do David. 

Indymedia and Anti-Semitism

The new issue of Shift magazine has an interesting article on Indymedia and anti-semitism.

Put simply, the usual open door posting policy on Indymedia UK is a green light to all manner of fruitloops to post any old nonsense.

The 9/11 'truth' movement must take a large share of the blame for this. Many of the nuttier and more unpleasant posts to be found on Indymedia originate either from 9/11 truth activists, or emerge from their wider milieu where blaming Israel and/or 'Zionists' for all of the world's ill's is part of the daily routine.

Bristol Indymedia has previously hit choppy waters due to the conduct of Tony Gosling, one of the best known UK 9/11 'truth' activists. Just as that particular Indymedia group was better off without the dead weight of Gosling's prejudices around its neck, so Indymedia internationally needs to firmly dump the 9/11 'truth movement'.

Should they do so, they will find their problem with anti-semites is seriously reduced.

More Shame For The Truth Movement

Hello to 9/11 'truther' Nick Kollerstrom, also known by his Internet forum name astro3.

Anarcho-blogger Johnny Void has reddened Mr Kollerstrom's backside this week, pointing out that this serial holocaust denier is, worryingly, an academic at University College London. They will clearly let anyone in these days!

As usual with the UK Truth movement, an attempt is made to shut the stable door long after the horse has bolted. Forum moderator Tony Gosling (a man with an unhealthy obsession with 'Jewish issues' himself) has banned all discussion of the holocaust on the Truth movements doomed forum. The reasons given however, show the scale of the malaise in this movement - linking holocaust denial to 9/11 truth is apparently a 'Mossad trick' - therefore they are going to get one over on Mossad by not playing their game.

It is hard to know whether to laugh or cry.

The reason many people link the 9/11 truth movement and holocaust denial is simple. So many 'truth' leaders, and a fair few activists, are anti-semites and holocaust deniers.

Rampant Anti-Semitism Forces 9/11 Forum Into Admission

Quote of the day from UK 9/11 Truth Forum moderator Tony Gosling:

"We have come to the conclusion that discussing the minutiae of the Holocaust on this site is entirely counter-productive."

It seems Mr Gosling is now busily pulling threads in order to tidy up appearances. A fair task in a movement dominated by anti-semites like Eric Hufschmid, Michael Collins Piper and David Shayler, to name but three.

Still, anything that keeps Mr Gosling quiet for a little while is probably a good thing........

Wingnut TV

Victor Thorn appears to be keen to step up as the most 'Jew-wise' of the 9/11 cult's many anti-semites.

His "9/11 Evil" is billed as the most 'dangerous' 9/11 truth book ever written. What he really means of course is the most anti-semitic.

With ecstatic reviews already from the fascists of the American Free Press, Thorn is certainly full of himself on his Wing TV website.

Interestingly Thorn appears to be willing to act as a bridge between contemporary 9/11 conspiracy theories (for want of a better word) and the old 1990s stories about Bill and Hillary Clinton that we are a staple of the US far and not so far-right.

Whilst there is plenty to criticise the Clinton's for in office, as usual with this genre ''Hillary and Bill - The Sex Volume" is anything but substantive.

Sex sells, but in this case, who is buying?

Repeat A Lie Often Enough, It Will Be Believed

The quote below comes from an article on a UK Arab website called AlArab Online.

"As regards the 9/11 events, it is now believed that the plot to destroy the WTC Towers and Pentagon was actually prepared by the Jews who wanted to use this card so as to exploit the situation which afterwards resulted in invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq."

The writer, Zaheer-ul-Hassan, offers no evidence for his assertion, we are simply expected to believe him. Welcome to the world of 9/11 Truth Zaheer, we are sure people will take to you very quickly!

You Can't Reason With The Illogical

Reading Hugh Miles excellent book on Al-Jazeera recently, it was interesting to see the comments he received on the 9/11 attacks whilst researching in the Arab world.

"Most people I spoke with told me Mossad and the CIA hijacked the planes in the first place, to give the Bush administration's Likudniks and neoconservatives carte blanche to restructure the Arab world. Jews had been arrested for the attacks in Washington, I was assured, but had been quietly released....... This depressing string of fantasies, coherent in no meaningful way, is a sad indictment of contemporary Arab society. Since there was no logic to these fears, there was no reasoning either."

Hugh Miles, "Al-Jazeera - How Arab TV News Challenged The World" p.352

Taking It To The Valleys

Notes From the Borderland took four collective members over to Swansea last week for the Green Party spring conference. As well as running a stall of political and parapolitical magazines, leaflets and books, we leafleted Green party members and supporters expressing our concern at the “9/11 Cult”, warning that only principled opposition to the US/UK war machine can undermine and ultimately defeat Blair, Bush and co.

Sideways For The Greens?
The conference itself could not realistically be described as a huge success. Attendance was not high – perhaps a couple of hundred delegates at most – and divisions clearly remain within the Green Party, particularly from a “modernist” wing, who seem determined to have a “leader” and paid staff, in the expectation that aping the major parties will lead to more serious media coverage. Trust us, it won’t. Politics are always more important than politicians.

Sometimes at political conferences it is the fringe events, socials and stalls that see the best of the action. Not so here – the NFB stall was arguably the largest, and others – such as the Legalise Cannabis Campaign – were rather sorry specimens. Whilst the case for medicinal use of cannabis is arguably made, the overall case for legalisation is weaker now than ever before – something that appears to be passing the LCC by.
The Young Greens and Greens in the Trades Unions both had (quiet) stalls, whilst it is hard to see the point of Simple, sorry Simpol-UK, a theory of Simultaneous Policy supported by one man and a van.

9/11 Cult Harried
Saturday saw a meeting to discuss a proposal that the Green party should support the call for a second inquiry into the 9/11 attacks, proposed by Shane Collins of Lambeth Green Party. 9/11 writer Ian Henshall, plus Justin Walker of the UK 9/11 Truth Campaign were produced to back up this call.
Thanks in no small part to the work initiated out by 9/11 Cultwatch, many in the Green party saw an iceberg as soon as they read this proposal. Conspiracy theories and anti-semitism do not tend to go down well on the doorsteps for any electoral party.
An amendment was thus put forward (signed by, amongst others Greater London Assembly member Darren Johnson) although it was hastily written - even getting the date of the attacks wrong, and making the absurd statement that to accuse the US security forces of involvement in 9/11 was in "poor taste". Those across the world subject to US intervention over the years, whether it be subverting democracy (Operation Gladio), or supporting coups/coup plotters (Chile 1973, Venezuela 2002 etc) as well as targetted assassinations (e.g. multiple attempts on Castro) will hardly regard the possibility as poor taste in principle. Rather, each allegation has to be examined case by case--and for 9/11, thus far, that case has not been made.
Given this NFB’s Larry O’Hara (a Green Party member) proposed this amendment instead, which did not rule out the call for a fresh inquiry, but added some important riders.

ON CURRENT EVIDENCE, THE GREEN PARTY BELIEVES THAT AL- QAEDA WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ATTACKS. IN LINE WITH OUR ANTI-RACIST BELIEFS, WE VIEW WITH ABHORRENCE THE ANTI-SEMITIC ELEMENTS WHO APPEAR TO HAVE ATTACHED THEMSELVES TO THIS CAMPAIGN THUS FAR. WE HOPE ANY INQUIRY WOULD LOOK AT THE HANDLING OF INTELLIGENCE PRIOR TO THE ATTACKS OF 9/11, THE EVENTS THEMSELVES, AND THE POLITICAL RESPONSE, WITH ITS DEVASTATING LONG-TERM EFFECTS ON INTERNATIONAL SECURITY. IF, AFTER AN INQUIRY, CRIMINAL CHARGES SEEM APPROPRIATE, AND WE REGARD THE BASIS FOR SUCH AS SOUND, THE GREEN PARTY WILL DO WHAT WE CAN TO HELP THAT PROCESS HAPPEN.

Ian Henshall, who was taking the lead for the 9/11 cult, rejected this amendment, because he did not agree to the Al Qaeda reference at the start--despite the fact it was far stronger than the original motion, in referring to criminal charges. The unmistakeable implication is that adhering to one version of the truth (their own) is more important to the 9/11 cult than actually holding anybody responsible.

At The Fringe
The fringe meeting itself (Saturday 24 March) was addressed by Henshall, who set out the arguments, and some of the sources, for his next book (9/11: The New Evidence) in a fluent and in some ways impressive manner. While very disparaging of the book 'Debunking 9/11 Myths', he had more praise for the 9/11 Commission Report, saying it had "loads of good evidence" though the conclusion "bears no relationship to the evidence". He was also impressed by the work of Peter Lance (as are we).
George Monbiot came in for particular scorn, following his Guardian piece attacking the cult--he has apparently "gone rogue", and is "in bed with" Senator John McCain, who introduces 'Debunking 9/11 Myths'. A stark image that really is in 'poor taste'.
He also made the good point that there is a clutch of 9/11 whistle-blowers, gagged up till now (like Sibil Edmonds) who are giving strong hints they would like to be subpoenaed by Congress in order to speak their minds. The crux of Henshall's presentation was the description of 9/11 as a "joint effort between Osama Bin Laden and George Bush" meaning there was "conscious or unconscious collaboration in the 9/11 attacks".

Returning The Serve
Under incisive questioning from one (female) audience member, he explained that 'unconscious collaboration' would be "if Osama Bin Laden thought he was solely responsible, but unknown to him, the CIA were allowing the attacks to happen". The very fact that Henshall can't be more specific than this, indicates how much some of his assertions are built on shifting sands. If you claimed a burglar may have 'consciously or unconsciously' collaborated with others, the assertion would be laughed out of court--indeed, the burglar themselves might even escape legal retribution. We come in for stick from some for describing 9/11 cultists as a cult, but one intervention in the meeting illustrated just why that description is apt.

Cultwatch Comments
One NFB collective member, sitting away from Larry O'Hara so as to be sure of a chance to speak, made two clear and incisive points:

1) How could 9/11 have been covered up so effectively, especially as regards planting of explosives, if Operation Condor or Watergate couldn't be covered up, this latter for more than a few weeks?
2) After the 1st Gulf War, when US bases in Saudi Arabia were expanded and made permanent, the likes of Bin Laden moved into a position of hostility to the USA, and 9/11 was merely an extension of that--in other words, a clear motive for Al Qaeda doing the bombing has been established.

Right from the start of him making his points, he was interrupted, shouted down, declared to have a 'closed mind' (this by Henshall), and all in all treated to such a hostile reception as to confirm we truly were in a cult setting. The reason this did not happen to the female questioner earlier was telling--her intervention was too nuanced and complex for most cultists present to understand!

In the end, all this frenetic discussion and amending proved academic – in the best tradition of party conferences, the motion was talked out by the pressure of other business, and not debated. All this means is that the issue remains on the table – and the 9/11 Cult need to be aware that we will keep pushing to isolate crackpot theories, spooks and anti-semites as far away as possible from green and leftist political circles.
This is a war for position – and it is not one we intend to lose.

Who Speaks Out?

Browsing the discussion forums on the UK and Ireland 9/11 Truth Movement's website, can be a depressing experience.

To see what we mean, have a look at the board itself. You only have to be on there for ten minutes to see the casual anti-semitism that infects the 9/11 "Truth movement" like a festering sore on the backside.

We are not going to illustrate our point by linking to some of the sites seen promoted on the 9/11 boards (why improve the web hits of racist sites?) suffice to say that any movement that tolerates the likes of Tony Gosling, Rodin or Blackcat gets the reputation it deserves, especially when such nonsense appears to go unchallenged by the silent majority.

Activists like Ian Neal really do seem to be voices in the wilderness.