thotz

[Paul Mackin]

Well dumb me. I thought my conspiracy theory analogy might be a framework 
around which certain ideas Charles has promulgated might be organized. I
probably confused the issue by talking about it in the context of the
candy drill where it may not particularly belong. But now I want to go
on record as saying the conspiracy theory analogy applies most
specifically IMHO to the idea that P-text in various ways can be read as
pointing to hidden and secretly guarded truths. And let me make perfectly
clear that I am talking about REAL secrets, not things that were
commonly accepted knowledge at the time the book was published. Conspiracy
theory is often considered a derogatory term though why this should be so
is beyond me. It's simply what we have when people read various
circumstances and events as pointing to something bad they think might
have happened but for which there is no actual solid evidence. Like for
example that the CIA or Castro killed Kennedy. People--sometime tiny
fringe groups and sometimes sizable blocks--out of widespread distrust and
suspicion of the powers that be (often for good reason)--continue to
believe such things. By the way none of what I'm saying is meant to
necessarily DENY the CIA or Castro killed Kennedy. Anything can happen.
Worse things HAVE happened. The point is, it isn't known by actual facts.
Someday maybe there WILL be facts. If and when that day arrives then it
won't be  conspiracy THEORY any longer. It'll be conspiracy PERIOD. But
until then . . . Anyway, it was my silly idea that if P really was trying
to direct the reader to certain privileged information but didn't follow
up with precisely (as opposed to obliquely) what the info was and exactly
what the proof was then he would to all intents and purposes be trying to 
engage his own readers (the supposition being in all seriousness) in what
for all the world was a big fat conspiracy theory of his own devising. He
would be saying, look, such and such is true. I know down deep in my gut
it's true, you know it's true too, but here's the catch folks, it's now up
to you to go out and find the proof, the proof by the way that no one else
has been able to turn up so far. 

But what the hell. It's only a book. It's only another conspiracy theory.
What's the harm. It's human nature to be suspicious and paranoid. Perhaps
it's even good for you. Now, Charles, sit down and write your paper. It
could be a good one. I'll expect an acknowledgement. :-)

			P