As of today, some of the parents of the victims of the Sandy Hook Massacre are suing the right wing conspiracy theorist, Alex Jones, over his allegations that they are crisis actors, working for the left and mainstream media to further the cause of “taking away our rights,” namely the right to bear arms. Putting aside the merits (or lack of) of his claims, it is reminiscent of similar conspiracy theories revolving around the attack on the World Trade Center, and the bombing at the Boston Marathon. All three of which, in a rush to report on them, find a guilty party, and resolve it were handled quickly and sometimes confusingly. Information comes out at strange times, and contradicting information can be revealed as things become clear.
But the right to ask questions, and the desire to, are bedrock in our society. With all the media that comes out every day (and especially after something as horrific as a shooting or bombing) the public would be foolish not to question the validity of the things they hear, see and read. But when is it ok, and when is it crossing a line? Calling a grieving parent a, “crisis actor,” because of a weird interview they gave seems aggressive, insensitive and insulting. Saying the World Trade Center was actually leveled using explosives, and basing your argument on video evidence and knowledge of structures, the way metal reacts to heat, and your own calculations, less so… but just as damning or polarizing.
So when is it ok? Is Alex Jones just playing devil’s advocate, or is he abusing his post and platform, to further harm those victims in the effort to undermine a separate cause and further his viewership?
Has he gone too far, or is it protected by the first amendment?
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