: a theory that explains an event or set of circumstances as the result of a secret plot by usually powerful conspirators (Merriam-Webster)
1. a theory that explains an event as being the result of a plot by a covert group or organization; a belief that a particular unexplained event was caused by such a group.
2. the idea that many important political events or economic and social trends are the products of secret plots that are largely unknown to the general public. (Dictionary.com)
As facts continue to flow from the Muskrat Falls - and where those facts cause suspicions of inappropriate, nefarious, or illegal behavior by those with financial and political prowess - the quick response is "conspiracy theory".
It is human to be curious and it is intelligent to question. To write off legitimate concerns and questions on an important public policy or contract - by affected people as "conspiracy theories" or those questioning as "conspiracy theorists" is dangerous and wrong. Those who are attempting to diminish concerns and theoretical questions are either weak minded, lazy, apathetic, or complicit.
Further this type of admonishment of concerned citizens has resulted in the extension of corporate corruption and crimes costing individuals and entire economies of countries incalculable losses.
Unfortunately this has also extended to social and human crimes costing incalculable loss of life and the ruination of thousands of otherwise productive lives.
In Newfoundland and Labrador the victims range from individual boys who were raped and abused by Christian Brothers and others in religious or other organizational authority to society itself where corporate rogues stole the resources of a population who owned them and depended on them for viable existence.
In our province it also included politicians who directly robbed the treasury for years.
To sit and believe that these events do not happen - or someone or another is above this behavior is to line yourself up for further abuse.
If in today's corporate world - one does not expect rather than doubt these types of plots and plans are in the works - then one needs to check their own system of trust.
The police will tell you and even frequently warn seniors that corrupt individuals or companies seek people who are naturally trustworthy to pull off their scams. They will also confirm that predators will seek vulnerable children and people to perpetrate acts of violence on.
We are now facing the expenditure of billions of dollars to develop a natural resource that is not owned by Danny Williams, Kathy Dunderdale, or Ed Martin but owned by all of us - the people.
There are corporations and individuals who do not care whatsoever about the advancement of society or the return to you and I as owners - but rather as their fiduciary responsibility dictates - care only about the return for their shareholders or in the case of rogue individuals - their own pockets.
The question before us - is whether or not this deal on Muskrat Falls with Emera brings the province (us) the best possible return on investment (including employment, environment, royalties) and provides the best energy policy for consumers (us) with respect to cost and reliability of power produced. Us - most importantly - includes the people of Labrador where the resource is located.
The government by virtually all opinions - is rushing the deal. This is the first sign of trouble and should be questioned extensively. The second sign of trouble is government attempting to control the outputs of reviews but controlling the inputs. The third sign of trouble is people who have had direct influence or involvement in the past or currently regarding the proposed deal also may have personal financial interests in the development or revenues to be accrued by or after the construction of the asset.
The greed component must never be overlooked when billions of our dollars are involved. Corporate and individual greed has been the driving factor in most white collar crime - particularly over the past 20 years. Globalization, "free" trade, and profits without product has driven corruption to new heights and lobbying quite often is the legal beginning of dastardly deeds.
Considering our past has included horrific deals on natural resources it is our public duty to question the hell out of every aspect of any new deal which includes using a public resource - particularly a renewable one.
If a politician - talk show host - or business guru accuses well educated (either academically or experience), well-intentioned, interested citizens, or retired experts of being conspiracy theorists - then they too should be questioned regarding their desire to shut down public dialogue.
The persons responsible for using the term "conspiracy theorists" quite often also insert the following:
"why would any of our politicians, Crown Corp executives, or bureaucrats do a deal if it were so bad for the people?"
Well Sir or Madam - the same could be asked about the Upper Churchill - it still happened.
Sometimes they are just wrong! Whether at the end of questioning one determined it was not a plan or plot but simply that ignorant people in power did not listen long or hard enough - who cares - as long as we do not repeat the mistakes of our past.
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