Buzz
Derogatory terms are expressions crafted to evoke feelings of disdain or disapproval. They provoke distinct emotional reactions in individuals. Examples of such terms include liberal, punk, hacker, fascist, extremist, and conspiracy theorist. During the 20th century, the term 'conspiracy theory' came to describe claims lacking solid evidence or scientific support, often contradicting widely accepted societal beliefs. Today, many individuals have dedicated their lives to researching and writing about conspiracies, presenting a variety of unusual and fascinating assertions. This article explores ten notable conspiracy theories and the individuals who popularized them.
10. Phil Schneider
Conspiracy Theory: The alien agenda.
Phil Schneider is a prominent figure in the realm of alien conspiracy theories. In 1995, he started delivering public lectures detailing the history of human-alien interactions on Earth. Many of his 1995 speeches are available on YouTube. Schneider asserts that he was a former government structural engineer tasked with constructing secret underground bases across the United States. He alleges that the U.S. government has known about extraterrestrial life since the early 20th century but has concealed the evidence. In 1979, Schneider participated in an underground project in New Mexico, where he served as the lead engineer in building a massive American base.
During the construction, the team encountered a vast nest of large Grey aliens. The workers grew suspicious after their drilling equipment was tampered with. Schneider recounts descending underground in a powered basket to investigate the strange incident. Upon arrival, he was attacked by a towering Grey alien. Schneider drew his gun and killed the creature. In retaliation, another alien emitted a deadly beam that severed three of his fingers and blew off his toenails. A military companion saved Schneider by pulling the basket back to the surface. He claims that 66 men died in an underground clash with the aliens during the encounter.
Schneider further elaborates on the alien agenda, stating that in 1954, the U.S. government formed a pact with three alien species. Since then, these aliens have allegedly deceived high-ranking officials and infiltrated human society. Schneider equates the New World Order with the alien agenda, asserting that their ultimate goal is global domination. He predicts the complete eradication of humanity and an alien takeover of Earth by 2029. Schneider claims there are nine hostile alien species living underground, viewing humans as a source of glandular secretions, which they use as a narcotic.
Schneider alleges that multiple governments are aware of the alien threat and are actively combating them. He discusses a material called Corbamite, which he identifies as element 140 on the periodic table, claiming it is indestructible and was provided by friendly aliens aiding humanity. Schneider estimates that 28% of the U.S. budget is allocated to building underground bases. He also links the 1993 World Trade Center bombing to a nuclear explosion. Schneider was found dead in his apartment on January 17, 1996.
9. George Bush (biblical scholar)
Conspiracy Theory: The implementation of Christian Zionism.
This entry focuses not on the former U.S. Presidents but on another George Bush, who lived from 1796 to 1859 and was the great-grand uncle of George H. W. Bush. A notable 19th-century figure, George Bush was an American biblical scholar, pastor, abolitionist, and Christian Restorationist. Christian Restorationism aimed to restore the Jewish population to the Holy Land, a popular concept in the 19th century. This movement combined political and religious motivations to support Jewish settlement in Israel, aligning with biblical prophecies of Jewish national independence in Judea. The narrative also ties into Christian Zionism, which anticipates the Second Coming of Christ.
In 1844, George Bush, a Hebrew professor at New York University, authored *The Dry Bones of Israel Revived*. In this work, he condemned the long-standing oppression of Jews and advocated for their recognition as a respected nation globally. Controversy around Bush largely stems from his earlier book, *The Life of Mohammed: Founder of the Religion of Islam, and of the Empire of the Saracens*, the first American biography of Muhammad. While Bush describes Muhammad as 'a remarkable man' and 'irresistibly attractive,' he critically examines Muhammad’s life and Islamic history, casting doubt on many aspects.
Bush’s book portrays Christianity during Muhammad’s era in a negative light. *The Life of Mohammed* has been out of print for years. In 2004, clerics at Egypt’s Al Azhar University discovered a copy and were deeply offended, sparking riots in Egypt. The U.S. State Department clarified that the book was unrelated to then-President Bush and his views, emphasizing his respect for Islam. Later in life, the 19th-century George Bush became a proponent of The New Church (Swedenborgianism), influenced by Emanuel Swedenborg and linked to freemasonry.
8. Andrew Basiago
Conspiracy Theory: Teleportation and the existence of life on Mars.
Andrew Basiago is a prominent figure in conspiracy circles, known for his extraordinary claims about teleportation and life on Mars. He asserts that in the late 1960s, he was part of a covert U.S. program exploring time travel using a device created by Nikola Tesla. Basiago claims he was selected and trained as one of America’s first time travelers, suggesting the government has mastered quantum access to past and future events. He even alleges that he traveled back to witness the Gettysburg Address, with his presence allegedly captured in a historical photograph.
In one of his most contentious claims, Basiago states that in 1971, he was sent to the year 2013 to observe the U.S. Supreme Court building, which he describes as submerged and covered in algae due to catastrophic events in 2012. He also extensively discusses the Denver International Airport conspiracy. Basiago gained significant attention for his 2008 paper, *The Discovery of Life on Mars*, where he argues that Mars is inhabited. Following this, he established the Mars Anomaly Research Society (MARS). The question of life on Mars remains unresolved in science, with evidence suggesting the presence of water and methane, an unstable gas indicating an active source, in Mars' atmosphere.
In February 2005, the Planetary Fourier Spectrometer (PFS) on the European Space Agency’s Mars Express Orbiter detected formaldehyde in Mars' atmosphere. Scientists speculate that this formaldehyde might result from methane oxidation, potentially indicating extreme geological activity or microbial life on Mars. While these findings are intriguing, Andrew Basiago alleges a government cover-up to conceal evidence of diverse humanoid and alien life forms inhabiting Mars. He points to NASA photograph PIA10214 as proof of life on Mars, making the image a subject of intense debate.
PIA10214 was captured in November 2007 by the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit, showcasing a panoramic view of the West Valley in the Columbia Basin within Mars' Gusev Crater. Basiago asserts that the image reveals numerous strange organisms, including a humanoid figure dubbed the Martian Bigfoot. He claims the photograph depicts humanoid beings, animal species, carved statues, constructed structures, and even deceased bodies. Among his many observations are individuals in blue jumpsuits, giant ground worms, and insect-like humanoids.
7. Frank J. Tipler
Conspiracy Theory: The resurrection of the dead.
*Why People Believe Weird Things* is a 1997 book by Michael Shermer, delving into the psychology of scholars who abandon their careers to embrace paranormal beliefs. Shermer argues that intelligent individuals can be more prone to accepting bizarre ideas. In part 5, he draws parallels between Voltaire’s character Pangloss and Frank J. Tipler, a mathematical physicist, to illustrate how even the brightest minds can fall prey to self-deception. Tipler is a physicist and cosmologist at Tulane University’s Department of Mathematics and Physics.
Tipler has written extensively on the Omega Point hypothesis, proposing it as a mechanism for resurrecting the dead. He is also a proponent of intelligent design, which posits that certain aspects of the universe and life are best explained by an intelligent cause rather than natural selection. The Omega Point refers to a future cosmological state where advanced civilizations could simulate the entire multiverse, enabling the resurrection of the dead. Tipler equates the Omega Point singularity with God, aligning it with traditional religious views of a divine being.
Critics argue that the Omega Point hypothesis contradicts the Copernican principle and defies probability laws. The concept has been dismissed as pseudoscience, with George Ellis in *Nature* calling Tipler’s work “a masterpiece of pseudoscience … born of a fertile imagination.” Despite criticism, Tipler has expanded his theories, integrating the Omega Point with a Standard Model of subatomic particles to propose a theory of everything. He remains a polarizing figure in scientific circles.
6. Alexander Litvinenko
Conspiracy Theory: The 1999 Russian bombings.
Alexander Litvinenko was a former Soviet KGB officer. After the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, the KGB transformed into the Federal Security Service (FSB). In November 1998, Litvinenko and several FSB colleagues accused their superiors of plotting to assassinate Russian tycoon Boris Berezovsky. Litvinenko was later arrested for overstepping his authority but was acquitted. Forced to flee Russia, he joined a group of exiles in London, including Akhmed Zakayev, Alex Goldfarb, and Berezovsky. In 2002, Litvinenko authored *Blowing up Russia: Terror from Within*, a controversial book exposing alleged FSB crimes.
The book claims that the 1999 Russian apartment bombings and other terrorist acts were orchestrated by the FSB as a false flag operation to justify the Second Chechen War and elevate Vladimir Putin to power. Russian investigations, however, blamed Muslim terrorists Ibn Al-Khattab and Abu Omar al-Saif, with Achemez Gochiyayev accused of organizing the attacks. Gochiyayev alleged he was framed by an FSB officer who instructed him to rent basements where the bombs were later planted. He remains a fugitive.
Following the book’s release, the Russian Interior Ministry confiscated numerous copies. In response, the authors allowed free distribution of the book in Russia. In 2006, Litvinenko published *Lubyanka Criminal Group*, accusing Vladimir Putin and FSB officers of involvement in organized crime, including political assassinations and Afghan drug trafficking. The FSB pressured retailers to withdraw the book, prompting the International Foundation for Civil Liberties to condemn the action as a return to Soviet-era censorship.
In *Lubyanka Criminal Group*, Litvinenko detailed FSB-ordered assassinations and criminal activities. On November 1, 2006, while in London, Litvinenko was poisoned with radioactive polonium-210 and died on November 23. British investigators implicated Russian national Andrey Lugovoy, who remains at large. The Russian government dismissed Litvinenko’s allegations as a conspiracy against Putin. Similar claims were made in Alexander Goldfarb’s follow-up book, *Death of a Dissident: The Poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko and the Return of the KGB*.
5. Bob Lazar and John Lear
Conspiracy Theory: The existence of aliens and unexplained flying objects.
Bob Lazar asserts that he worked as a physicist at S-4 (Sector Four), a secretive military base near Groom Lake, Nevada, adjacent to Area 51. According to Lazar, S-4 is dedicated to studying extraterrestrial life and reverse-engineering alien spacecraft. In a 1989 interview with journalist George Knapp, Lazar detailed his experiences at S-4, describing advanced aircraft and their propulsion systems. He claimed that Element 115, also known as Ununpentium, could function as a nuclear fuel, generating anti-gravity effects and antimatter for energy production when bombarded with protons.
Lazar’s claims about Element 115 are particularly intriguing, as the element was not officially discovered until 2003, 14 years after he first mentioned it. He explained that amplifying the nucleus of Element 115 could create a gravitational distortion, bending space-time and reducing travel distances. Lazar also alleged that he received a briefing on the 100,000-year history of extraterrestrial beings on Earth, originating from the Zeta Reticuli star systems and commonly referred to as Greys. Despite claiming degrees from Caltech and MIT, Lazar faced legal troubles, pleading guilty to felony pandering in 1990 and declaring bankruptcy.
In 1993, the Los Angeles Times investigated Bob Lazar’s background and found no evidence supporting his educational claims. In 2000, Lazar founded United Nuclear, a scientific supply company based in Laingsburg, MI, catering to amateur scientists.
John Lear is a well-known conspiracy theorist and an accomplished pilot with experience flying over 160 types of aircraft. His father, Bill Lear, founded the Lear Jet Corporation. John Lear asserts that the U.S. government is concealing the existence of multiple alien species living in secret underground bases. He claims that over 150,000 aliens reside beneath New York City alone.
Lear alleges that these aliens abduct, hunt, and consume thousands of humans annually, primarily targeting children. He highlights alarming U.S. child abduction statistics, with around 850,000 people reported missing each year—one every 40 seconds—many of whom are children. Lear is also known for his controversial theories about 9/11, arguing that even the most skilled pilot could not have flown a Boeing 767 into the World Trade Center. His views have sparked significant debate, leading to the removal of his Wikipedia page.
4. William Campbell Douglas
Conspiracy Theory: AIDS is a biological weapon created by humans.
Dr. William Campbell Douglas II, who publishes the newsletter Daily Dose, is known for his highly controversial views. He calls himself 'the conscience of modern medicine.' Among his notable claims, Douglas argues that current cancer treatments are detrimental, describing chemotherapy drugs as 'ineffective' and 'dangerously toxic.' He also criticizes mammograms, asserting they cause widespread harm to women without effectively preventing breast cancer.
Douglas has criticized the prostate cancer test, labeling it as nearly useless and potentially leading to severe side effects like impotence and urinary issues. He opposes biopsies for cancer detection, alleging that the government is concealing a non-invasive alternative. Additionally, he disputes the common belief that sun exposure causes skin cancer, critiques Brita water filters, and expresses strong opinions against vegetarianism. He also claims dietary fiber is unnecessary, praises coffee as a natural wonder, and controversially discusses the health benefits of cigarettes, while noting a rise in lung cancer among non-smokers.
Douglas has written about Dimethyl sulfoxide, a chemical compound he believes has suppressed pain-relieving properties. He has also criticized Gardasil, an HPV vaccine approved by the FDA in 2006. Despite its widespread distribution, Gardasil has faced numerous complaints and been linked to unexplained deaths. In 2007, controversy grew when efforts were made to mandate the vaccine for school attendance, sparking backlash from medical groups, politicians, and parents.
Texas Governor Rick Perry once mandated Gardasil for children, but the order was later overturned. In his 2003 book, 'AIDS and Biological Warfare,' Douglas claims AIDS is a man-made biological weapon, suggesting a deliberate misinformation campaign to obscure its origins. His controversial ideas lack scientific support, and many believe he exploits vulnerable individuals for profit.
3. Anatoliy Golitsyn and James Angleton
Conspiracy Theory: The Soviet Union and the CIA.
Anatoliy Golitsyn, a former KGB major and defector, authored two books exposing the KGB's long-term deception tactics. Using the alias Ivan Klimov, he fled to the CIA in 1961 with his family, arriving in Helsinki, Finland. During his debriefing by CIA counter-intelligence chief James Jesus Angleton, Golitsyn revealed details about Soviet double agents like Kim Philby, Donald Duart Maclean, Guy Burgess, and John Vassall. He also alleged that UK Prime Minister Harold Wilson was a KGB operative.
Golitsyn asserted that the KGB orchestrated the death of British politician Hugh Gaitskell to pave the way for Harold Wilson's rise in the Labour Party. He persuaded CIA director James Angleton that the agency was riddled with KGB spies, claiming the Soviets manipulated American intelligence to further their own goals. Angleton, convinced by Golitsyn's claims, sidelined several CIA officers under suspicion. However, both the FBI and CIA largely dismissed Golitsyn's theories. Notably, Golitsyn argued that the Sino-Soviet split was a ruse to draw the U.S. into the Vietnam War.
James Angleton even suggested that U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger could be influenced by the KGB. To counter Angleton's actions, William Colby was tasked with restructuring the CIA, effectively ending the influence of Angleton and Golitsyn. Angleton accused several global leaders, including Canadian Prime Ministers Lester Pearson and Pierre Trudeau, Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme, West German Chancellor Willy Brandt, UK Prime Minister Harold Wilson, and members of the U.S. Congress, of being Soviet agents. His resignation was announced on December 24, 1975.
In 1984, Anatoliy Golitsyn released his book 'New Lies for Old,' which outlined predictions about global political developments. He foresaw the collapse of the communist bloc and warned of a long-term KGB strategy to deceive the West, aiming to weaken the U.S. economically and diplomatically. Golitsyn claimed that as early as 1959, the KGB was orchestrating plans to manipulate international public opinion. Remarkably, many of his predictions have since proven accurate.
2. Gary McKinnon
Conspiracy Theory: The existence of extraterrestrials and the suppression of free energy technology.
Gary McKinnon, a Scottish systems administrator and hacker, is accused by the United States of executing what they call the 'largest military computer hack in history.' Over 13 months from February 2001 to March 2002, McKinnon allegedly infiltrated 97 U.S. military and NASA computers under the alias Solo. The breached networks included those of NASA, the U.S. Army, Navy, Department of Defense, and Air Force. He is accused of deleting essential files, causing a 24-hour shutdown of the U.S. Army’s Military District network, which affected 2,000 computers, and erasing U.S. Navy Weapons logs.
McKinnon denies the allegations, stating his sole intention was to uncover evidence of suppressed free energy technology and concealed UFO activity. He claims to have found proof that the U.S. government is hiding information about extraterrestrial life and advanced energy solutions. In interviews, McKinnon revealed that breaching the U.S. government’s secure networks was surprisingly easy. Using a Perl script, he scanned 65,000 machines in under ten minutes, targeting systems with blank passwords and exploiting default settings to gain access.
During his unauthorized access, McKinnon alleges he uncovered multiple IP addresses infiltrating U.S. systems. He also discovered the Disclosure Project, a group of 400 experts documenting UFO activity. McKinnon claims to have read documents revealing the existence of alien technology, including anti-gravity devices and free energy systems. He asserts that the U.S. government has reverse-engineered a captured spacecraft and that NASA routinely edits unexplained aircraft out of satellite images.
McKinnon reportedly found a file titled 'Non-terrestrial officers,' detailing off-world operations in space. Since 2002, he has been prohibited from using internet-connected computers. In 2005, the U.S. initiated extradition proceedings against him. By July 2010, President Barack Obama and Prime Minister David Cameron acknowledged discussions about McKinnon’s case, seeking a resolution. If extradited and convicted, McKinnon could face up to 70 years in prison. Many believe he uncovered significant secrets he has yet to disclose.
1. John Coleman
Conspiracy Theory: The New World Order.
John Coleman, an author and global affairs analyst, asserts he once served as an MI6 officer in British Intelligence. He has written extensively on contentious issues, proposing that a select few, known as The Committee of 300, dominate global governance. Coleman posits that this elite group, possibly led by the Rothschild family and various royal lineages, aims to establish a unified global government or a New World Order. Established in 1727 by British aristocrats, The Committee of 300, also referred to as The Olympians, seeks to manipulate political, economic, financial, media, and military sectors to centralize global control.
According to John Coleman, the Muslim Brotherhood functions as a covert Masonic organization, allegedly formed with the backing of T. E. Lawrence, Bertrand Russell, and St. John Philby, to maintain the Middle East's underdevelopment, facilitating the exploitation of its oil reserves. As the predominant political opposition in numerous Arab nations, the Muslim Brotherhood has historically engaged in violent acts and faced prohibition in Egypt for plotting against its secular regime. Since the 1970s, the Egyptian faction has renounced violence, opting for political engagement. The Brotherhood played a significant role in the 2011 Egyptian Revolution and subsequently established the Freedom and Justice Party to compete in the ensuing parliamentary elections.
John Coleman has voiced criticism against several private entities, such as the Club of Rome, the Giorgio Cini Foundation, the Interreligious Peace Colloquium, and the Tavistock Institute. The Club of Rome, described as an assembly of global citizens concerned with humanity's future, includes a diverse membership of current and former state leaders, UN officials, politicians, diplomats, scientists, economists, and business magnates worldwide. The organization gained notable attention in 1972 with its publication, The Limits to Growth, which forecasts a potential socio-economic downfall in the 21st century based on the analysis of five key variables. However, the report faced skepticism from numerous economists, scientists, and politicians for its speculative nature and lack of empirical support.
Coast to Coast AM Caller
Art Bell, a renowned American broadcaster, is best known for co-founding and hosting the paranormal radio show Coast to Coast AM. On September 11, 1997, during a program focused on Area 51, Bell received an alarming call from a distressed individual. The caller, claiming to be a former Area 51 employee recently discharged for medical reasons, warned of imminent danger before the broadcast was abruptly interrupted due to a supposed satellite malfunction. The caller stated, 'I’ve been on the run across the country and don’t know where to begin. They’ll track this call soon.' Bell urged the caller to be brief, to which the caller responded, 'What we perceive as aliens, Art, are actually extra-dimensional entities that early space program pioneers encountered.'
The caller asserted that these beings are deceptive and have deeply infiltrated the military, especially at Area 51. He claimed that the government is aware of impending catastrophes but is deliberately avoiding relocating populations to safer regions. According to him, the goal is to reduce major population centers to make the remaining populace easier to control. The call ended abruptly after this revelation. The recording is haunting, with the man’s voice filled with distress and occasional sobs. Whether a masterful actor or a genuine whistleblower, the call remains a chilling and controversial moment in radio history.
