Truthers, meet your new crazy ally abroad

"Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity."

Hanlon's razor is the motto I generally abide by when it comes to talk of massive government conspiracies. I don't deny that there have been and continue to be certain top secret operations orchestrated by elements of the U.S. government - some successful, many spectacular failures.

Quite frankly, though, the idea that our notoriously slow-moving, red-tape laden, bureaucratic nightmare of a government could plan out and implement the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 - all while conducting a massive cover-up to place blame on al Queda and its operatives - is downright laughable.

And yet that doesn't stop plenty of so-called Truthers from believing just that. "9/11 was an inside job" claim their signs and documentaries. I see them camped out at the Farmer's Market every week, and they show up at more than a few political rallies, people intent on ignoring the historic, scientific, and other evidence that solidly points to the towers collapsing because, y'know, a couple of passenger jets slammed into them. Not because of some remarkably well-orchestrated controlled demolition.

Anyway, I was amused - if not surprised - to read of a new Truther ally making his voice heard today. None other than angry elven racist and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made vociferous claims that 9/11 was a "U.S. government orchestrated attack" while speaking in front of the UN General Assembly today.

I'm not shocked that he believes this (or at least believes that saying so will give him cred with his extremist supporters). But I do hope that suddenly finding themselves in bed with one of the world's most visible crazy people will make at least a few Truthers sit up and say, "Shit. Maybe I got this wrong."

(When the guy whose favorite pastime is denying that the Holocaust happened sides with you, it's probably time to reassess your position)

Because as horrifying as it would be to believe the your government perpetrated such despicable mass murder - it might be yet more disturbing for some to realize that their government is so inept, so incompetent, and so self-absorbed that it failed to prevent one of the biggest terrorist attacks in the history of the world.

Always for the people

Today we mark a terrible anniversary in our nation's history. Eight years ago, thousands were killed when a handful of individuals twisted by ideology made the decision to hijack and fly planes into the Twin Towers.

We all know what happened. We all have the images forever seared into our minds. Forgetting what happened that day - the innocent lives lost, the bravery of the first responders - will hardly be an issue.

The things done by ambitious, crass officials allegedly in those people's names, however, have all too often gone ignored, swept under the proverbial rug, or just lied about. Repressive legislation passed in the name of "national security," needless wars based on false pretense, a tidal wave of censorship and abuse disguised as faux patriotism--all of that justified under the banner of 9/11.

It's a disgrace, a sick tragedy.

Today and every day I remember those who fell victim to extremist views, and those who lost loved ones and for whom this anniversary is an intensely personal one. I give thanks for the people who dedicate their lives to serving their communities, whether through the local fire company, police station, hospital, school, etc.

It's not about a flag. It's not about artificial boundaries of country, race or class. It's about people: Families and friends just trying to live a life with meaning.

So I strengthen my resolve to see that the memory of those who've served and even died is not further marred by egotistical, greedy souls who feel compelled to use terrible events to bolster their ridiculous, violent causes. Whoever they are, wherever they are.

We owe the dead that much at least.