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EDITOR: Since I was raised in Placerville and still have family here, I feel a strong obligation to respond to a couple of letters recently published.
One of the unforeseen effects of the Internet has been a proliferation of fringe points of view, lending the veneer of legitimacy to absurd paranoia. Too many have lost their ability to verify their information. To distinguish between fact and fiction.
The letter “Wake Up” published in the Mountain Democrat on Feb. 27 curried favorable commentary, and another supportive letter “Waking up is hard to do” on March 11.
I picked over the original and pulled out the following crazy statements:
“Many people all over the U.S. have seen foreign tanks and soldiers driving through the towns, doing drills, and their tanks driving on their roads.”
Or:
“The U.S. has sold most of the waterways and ports along the U.S. borders to China and Russia allowing them to cruise around our country at will with their submarines, aircraft carriers, etc.”
Or:
“Now many cities are paying citizens money to turn in your neighbors, to spy on your neighbors.”
I call baloney… 
Prove it.
Upon these crazy notions the author builds a theory of conspiracy worthy of the Birchers. My question for her and her supporters: By what possible right do you perpetuate lies like this?
BRIAN WALDSMITH
Castle Rock, Wash.
The real problem is political polarization, but it’s where it occurs in the citizenry that’s the crux. I ask you again, by what right do you refuse to take responsibility for your information?
You must really want to see government as a megalithic enemy to fall so completely into such paranoia. You and your favorable commentators are a big part of the problems currently afflicting our country. Misinformed extremists seducing otherwise decent conservatives with delusions of righteousness.
The Mountain Democrat does not necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy
Phil VeerkampMarch 17, 2013 - 5:42 pm
Thank you for your letter, Brian. I should have challenged Patrice on her post more immediately. I have invited Patrice to substantiate her assertions - LINK - Patrice's - Wake up
EvelynMarch 17, 2013 - 6:42 pm
Though unable to confirm a precise body count of foreign troops on American soil at any one time, either in the past or in the present, several relevant articles are available. Make of them what you will.
EvelynMarch 17, 2013 - 6:44 pm
August 17, 2009 - “Pentagon wants 400,000 troops on US soil” HERE
EvelynMarch 17, 2013 - 6:44 pm
14 May 2012 - “Russian/U.S. War Games to Begin Shortly in Colorado” HERE
EvelynMarch 17, 2013 - 6:45 pm
August 17th, 2012 - “Where Is the Proof that UN Soldiers are Actively Operating on American Soil? Oh, Right Here…” HERE
EvelynMarch 17, 2013 - 6:53 pm
"DHS Coordinates National Level Exercise to Prevent Terrorist Attacks with Federal, State, Local Tribal, Private Sector, and International Partners" HERE International partner nations will include Australia, Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom. (Dept of Homeland Security, July 24, 2009)
Phil VeerkampMarch 17, 2013 - 7:36 pm
Patrice/Evelyn - Your 6:44 pm link points to a request to post 400,000 AMERICAN (not foreign) troops. Another of your 6:44 links points to, “About 20 Russian soldiers will be participating” . . .a far cry from 400,000 . . . Your 6:45 link – The Daly Sheeple??? Really!!! an alex jones/george noory/art bell/late night/chemtrails BS amplifying echo chamber. . . . and finally your 6:53 link points to a DHS notification, “National Level Exercise 2009 (NLE 09)—“ which is, quite simply, AN EXERCISE in 2009. These Exercises are routine. DHS DID NOT IMPORT 400,000 FOREIGN TROOPS FOR THESE EXERCISES.
Phil VeerkampMarch 17, 2013 - 7:38 pm
bold off