In recent years, far too many American citizens have been going about their lives, worrying about their about their own problems -- and just blindly accepting what their leaders tell them, or what they read or see in the mainstream "news". But people don't understand what's really going on: they accept the "facts" they're receiving as accurate, and are thus kept from realizing the "big picture" which lies in the background.

Thankfully, a number of canny observers have noticed the subtle bias present among journalists and elected officials; almost a conspiracy to persuade us to accept new and bizarre right wing ideas and candidates. This conspiracy has been massively successful given the dominance of right-wing ideas in the supposedly "free" press, society, universities, and government.

What? Do I hear you laughing? You tool: you're only proving my point! Sure, it might sound absurd to argue, as I do, that governmental officials are engaged in a conspiracy to help you believe they should be given less power; or that journalists tend to believe society is running relatively well and doesn't need more governmental intervention. That you think such ideas are absurd simply shows how deeply brainwashed you are, and how much you need to pay attention to alternative news sources. Hence this topic.

A lot of people thought that McCain's recent trip to Columbia might have been intended to show how his positions contrasted with opponents' -- given Obama's general opposition to free trade, and Democrats' specific opposition to trade with Columbia. Others thought perhaps the visit might have been intended to make him look Presidential, or even support an ally who is being pressured by Chavez.

But the smart people over at DailyKos have dug up the real dirt on John McChimpler [haha -- get it? he's like, both "chimp" and "Hitler"!]:

When the McCain Campaign first announced they would be visiting Colombia a few weeks ago , i was kind of surprised by the location....Why would a presidential candidate go on a trip to Colombia at this time when this upcoming election number one issue is the economy?...I would understand Iraq , Afghanistan , Canada , Mexico and even some European countries , but Colombia felt a bit weird.

Yeah, weird isn't it? It's not like Columbia is a significant ally of the US, or has been under attack, or been in the political news or anything in past months. It's almost as if McCain had suddenly decided to pick up and pay a visit to Wallis and Futuna.

Well , guys , call me paranoid , but is it far-fetch to think this had been planned all along to give McCain some great media news...The McCain people are already spinning this thing as some type of reasoning for why McCain should be president since the Colombian government briefed him on the raids.

Why couldn't the Colombian government launch this raid a week ago , or wait after McCain leaves....It's very hard for me to believe that this was just coincidence that McCain happened to be in Colombia when they decided to launch this raid.

This makes complete sense! If these had been real terrorists, the timing might have been dictated by circumstances, and the government might have had only a few days' window in which to act. But if these so-called "terrorists" were actually working for the Columbian government, then, of course, the government could have easily scheduled the rescue a few weeks back or in the future so it wouldn't overlap with McCain's visit.

The Bush administration has also been pushing congress to pass some Colombian free trade...McCain also strongly supports this trade impact and before leaving for Colombia , attacked Obama for opposing it.

Indeed! And almost every news report I've seen has been a non-stop barrage of positive publicity for McCain, with so many journalists writing about how we need to immediately pass the previously-defeated Columbia free trade act.

My guess is that the Colombian , the Bush's administration and the McCain people got together and planned this stuff which would help all 3 parties.

He's partially right, but he's also forgetting about FARC's role in all this, being the "supposed" hostage-takers and all. Probably really in the pay of Halliburton, Exxon, or the Southern Baptists.

The media blackout on the real story has been fairly complete, with most pushing the line that it was probably just a co-incidence. But I'm heartened to see that there are at least a few TV commentators who are helping to get the real story out.

Everyone, repeat after me: QUESTION. AUTHORITY!