Difference between revisions of "1274: Open Letter"

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{{comic
 
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| number    = 1274
 
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| date      = October 7, 2013
 
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| title    = Open Letter
 
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| image    = open_letter.png
 
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| titletext = Are you ok? Do you need help?
 
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}}
 
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==Explanation==
 
==Explanation==
 
{{incomplete}}
 
{{incomplete}}
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This comic may also be subtly arguing against the plausibility of the aforementioned conspiracy theories if one assumes that a shadow-controlled government would be more likely to operate with a singular purpose and therefore be less susceptible to paralyzing political disagreements. That is to say, if an outside organization were controlling the US government, then it would demonstrate more competence than the US government is currently exhibiting. Randall previously alluded to this in the title text to [[1081|comic 1081]]: "Really, the comforting side in most conspiracy theory arguments is the one claiming that anyone who's in power has any plan at all." This is one of several comics in which Randall expresses dismay at how many intelligent people can fall for absurd conspiracy theories; see comics [[258]] and [[690]], among others.
 
This comic may also be subtly arguing against the plausibility of the aforementioned conspiracy theories if one assumes that a shadow-controlled government would be more likely to operate with a singular purpose and therefore be less susceptible to paralyzing political disagreements. That is to say, if an outside organization were controlling the US government, then it would demonstrate more competence than the US government is currently exhibiting. Randall previously alluded to this in the title text to [[1081|comic 1081]]: "Really, the comforting side in most conspiracy theory arguments is the one claiming that anyone who's in power has any plan at all." This is one of several comics in which Randall expresses dismay at how many intelligent people can fall for absurd conspiracy theories; see comics [[258]] and [[690]], among others.
  
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The title text plaintively asks if the conspiracy masters are experiencing some sort of personal problem that is interfering with their ability to smoothly run the government from behind the scenes.
 
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=== List of addressees ===
 
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
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| {{w|Church of Scientology|Scientology}} || Self-proclaimed church founded by science-fiction writer {{w|L. Ron Hubbard}}. Often criticised for alleged {{w|brainwashing}} of its members and accused of hiding commercial interests behind religious claims.
 
| {{w|Church of Scientology|Scientology}} || Self-proclaimed church founded by science-fiction writer {{w|L. Ron Hubbard}}. Often criticised for alleged {{w|brainwashing}} of its members and accused of hiding commercial interests behind religious claims.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{w|Federal_Emergency_Management_Agency|FEMA}} || Agency of the United States Department of homeland security, that has been granted extensive authorisations in cases of emergency and is therefore believed to act as an entity independent of governmental control.
+
| {{w|Federal_Emergency_Management_Agency|FEMA}} || Agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security, that has been granted extensive authorisations in cases of emergency and is therefore believed to act as an entity independent of governmental control.
 
|-
 
|-
 
| {{w|New_World_Order_(conspiracy_theory)|The New World Order}} || Not a secret organisation itself, but rather the concept of establishing a totalitarian system controlled by any elitist group in this list.
 
| {{w|New_World_Order_(conspiracy_theory)|The New World Order}} || Not a secret organisation itself, but rather the concept of establishing a totalitarian system controlled by any elitist group in this list.
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| {{w|Federal_Reserve_System|The Federal Reserve}} || Central state bank system of the United States, therefore to some degree able to control the monetary circulation of the {{w|US Dollar}}.
 
| {{w|Federal_Reserve_System|The Federal Reserve}} || Central state bank system of the United States, therefore to some degree able to control the monetary circulation of the {{w|US Dollar}}.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{w|Citigroup}} || One of the largest [http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2013/06/26/citigroup-wants-to-rule-the-world.aspx multinational banks], most of which are rumored to have [http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2006/07/25/drevil-wounds-citigroup/ nefarious purposes].
+
| {{w|Citigroup}} || One of the four biggest American financial service corporations. Considered by the {{w|Financial Stability Board}} to be a {{w|Too big to fail|"systemically important financial institution"}}.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{w|Halliburton}} || One of the largest government contractors, formerly run by Dick Cheney.
+
| {{w|Halliburton}} || International corporation offering technical services, especially in the field of oil and gas production. Also a major supplier for the {{w|US military}}. Halliburton was in the headlines for unethical business practise and connections to the {{w|Dick Cheney|former US Vize President}}.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{w|Google}} || One of the largest DotCom corporations. Google's public motto is "don't be evil". The idea of secret plans of Google has been mentioned in comic [[792]].
+
| {{w|Google}} || Corporation offering Internet services, most notably the Google search engine. Known for collecting massive amounts of data about its users in order to sell personalised advertisement. The idea of secret plans of Google has been mentioned in comic {792}.  
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{w|Vatican|The Vatican}} || The Pope and his inner circle, who control the Roman Catholic Church. The Church was a major political power in Western Europe before the rise of {{w|secularism}}, and still wields considerable influence.
+
| {{w|Holy See|The Vatican}} || Central government of the {{w|Catholic Church}} and residence of the {{w|pope}}. Historically important not only as a religious authority, but also as a {{w|Papal States|secular political power}}.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{w|Bilderberg_Group|Bilderburg}} || The Bilderberg Group. An private conference of about 120-140 invited guests -- mostly bankers, politicians, and directors of large corporations -- from North America and Europe, which meets every year to discuss international issues.
+
| {{w|Bilderberg_Group|Bilderburg (correctly: ''Bilderberg'')}} || Annual conference of important politicians, bankers, directors of major corporations and other {{w|List of Bilderberg participants|people of influence}}, therefore considered the quintessential elitist meeting.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{w|Walmart}} || The largest retail superstore, not above [http://google.com/search?q=walmart+mexico+bribery using bribery to get its way].
+
| {{w|Walmart}} || American retail corporation, best known for the eponymous chain of warehouse stores. As of January 2013, Walmart is the world's largest public corporation by revenue.
 
|-
 
|-
 
| {{w|Rothschild_family|The Rothschilds}} || Family of Jewish financiers that was later elevated into European nobility. Believed to exercise influence through considerable wealth.
 
| {{w|Rothschild_family|The Rothschilds}} || Family of Jewish financiers that was later elevated into European nobility. Believed to exercise influence through considerable wealth.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{w|Knights_Templar_(Freemasonry)|The Knights Templar}} || A medieval group formerly associated with the Catholic Church and later with the Freemasons.
+
| {{w|Knights Templar}} || Originally a medieval Christian military order of considerable influence, the Knights Templar were inspiration for many successive (secret) organisations that are sometimes believed to undermine governmental authorities. There is also an {{w|The Knights Templar (Freemasonry)|eponymous order}} affiliated with Freemasonry.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{w|High_Frequency_Active_Auroral_Research_Program#Conspiracy_theories|HAARP}} || A radio experiment in Alaska, supposedly responsible for a wide variety of calamities.
+
| {{w|High_Frequency_Active_Auroral_Research_Program#Conspiracy_theories|HAARP}} || Ionospheric research project of the US military. Believed by some conspiracy theorists to conceal attempts to control the weather and trigger catastrophes.
 
|-
 
|-
 
| {{w|United_Nations|The UN}} || Large intergovernmental organization; most countries in the world are members. It has little direct power unless its member states choose to cooperate (except for its invisible {{w|black helicopter}} squadrons).
 
| {{w|United_Nations|The UN}} || Large intergovernmental organization; most countries in the world are members. It has little direct power unless its member states choose to cooperate (except for its invisible {{w|black helicopter}} squadrons).
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{w|Skull_and_Bones|Skull & Bones}} || A secret society at Yale University. Both George W. Bush and John Kerry are members.
+
| {{w|Skull_and_Bones|Skull & Bones}} || A secret society at the {{w|Yale University}} that has many influential American politicians amongst its members, including former President {{w|George W. Bush}}.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{w|Bohemian_Grove|Bohemian Grove}} ||  
+
| {{w|Bohemian_Grove|Bohemian Grove}} || Campground of the private {{w|Bohemian Club}} in San Francisco, known for hosting an annual encampment of club members and selected guests who are among the most powerful men in the world.
 
|-
 
|-
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| {{w|Political_activities_of_the_Koch_brothers#Political_activity|The Koch Brothers}} || Two wealthy brothers who provide funding to conservative causes and are a frequently-cited bugaboo among liberals.
+
| {{w|Political_activities_of_the_Koch_brothers|The Koch Brothers}} || The owners of the second-largest private company in the United States and advocates of {{w|free market}} ideals. Known for contributions to libertarian and conservative political campaigns.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{w|Soros_György|George Soros}} || A wealthy financier who provides funding to liberal causes and is a frequently-cited bugaboo among conservatives.
+
| {{w|George Soros}} || Business magnate and investor, who is well-known for supporting liberal political causes.
 
|-
 
|-
 
| {{w|Sovereign_Military_Order_of_Malta|The Knights of Malta}} ||  
 
| {{w|Sovereign_Military_Order_of_Malta|The Knights of Malta}} ||  
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| {{w|Council_on_Foreign_Relations|The CFR}} ||  
 
| {{w|Council_on_Foreign_Relations|The CFR}} ||  
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{w|ExxonMobil|Exxon Mobil}} || One of the largest multinational oil companies.
+
| {{w|ExxonMobil|Exxon Mobil}} ||  
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{w|Zionism|The Zionists}} || Zionism is the political movement favoring the creation of a Jewish homeland, a goal achieved with the creation of the state of {{w|Israel}}. In a conspiracy-theory context, it references the belief that wealthy and powerful Jews (such as the above-referenced Rothschilds) control political and social institutions.
+
| {{w|Zionism|The Zionists}} || Political movement favouring the creation of a Jewish homeland, a goal achieved with the creation of the state of {{w|Israel}}. In a conspiracy-theory context, it references the belief that wealthy and powerful Jews (such as the above-referenced Rothschilds) control political and social institutions, as presented e.g. in the (fake) {{w|Protocols of Zion}}.
 
|-
 
|-
 
| {{w|Vril#Vril_society|The Vril Society}} ||  
 
| {{w|Vril#Vril_society|The Vril Society}} ||  
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| {{w|Reptilians|The Lizard People}} || Secret snake-men, similar to the aliens from {{w|V (TV series)}}.  This is probably a reference to the conspiracy theories of {{w|David Icke}}, which include the idea that an ancient race of god-like, shapeshifting Lizards have interbred with humans, and that these half-bloods now secretly control the world.
 
| {{w|Reptilians|The Lizard People}} || Secret snake-men, similar to the aliens from {{w|V (TV series)}}.  This is probably a reference to the conspiracy theories of {{w|David Icke}}, which include the idea that an ancient race of god-like, shapeshifting Lizards have interbred with humans, and that these half-bloods now secretly control the world.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| and everyone else who secretly controls the {{w|Federal_government_of_the_United_States|US Government}} ||  
+
| and everyone else who secretly controls the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_government_of_the_United_States US Government] ||  
 
|}
 
|}
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==Transcript==
 
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:[The picture shows a letter.]
 
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:October 7<sup>th</sup> 2013
 
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:To: The Freemasons, the Illuminati, Scientology, FEMA, the New World Order, the Federal Reserve, Citigroup, Halliburton, Google, the Vatican, Bilderburg, Walmart, the Rothschilds, the Knights Templar, HAARP, the UN, Skull & Bones, Bohemian Grove, the Koch Brothers, George Soros, the Trilateral Commision, the Knights of Malta, the CFR, Exxon Mobil, the Zionists, the Vril Society, the Lizard People, and everyone else who secretly controls the US government
 
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:Can you please get your shit together?
 
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:This is embarrassing.
 
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:Sincerely,
 
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:A Concerned Citizen
 
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{{comic discussion}}
 
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[[Category:Politics]]
 

Revision as of 11:34, 7 October 2013

Explanation

Ambox notice.png This explanation may be incomplete or incorrect:
Please include the reason why this explanation is incomplete, like this: {{incomplete|reason}}
If you can address this issue, please edit the page! Thanks.

Under some circumstances, the United States Federal Government can temporarily shut down pending budget legislation from the United States Congress. These shutdowns are typically due to political disagreements between the President, the House of Representatives, and the Senate.

Over the years, various conspiracy theories have been proposed claiming that the United States Government is not controlled by publicly-elected officials, but rather by one or more organizations that secretly control the actions of the government (sometimes termed a "shadow government").

Randall jokes on the US government shutdown in 2013, that has been ongoing for a week and is still current as of the time of this comic, by writing a letter to the shadow government, telling them that this situation is embarrassing and asking them to fix the problem.

This comic may also be subtly arguing against the plausibility of the aforementioned conspiracy theories if one assumes that a shadow-controlled government would be more likely to operate with a singular purpose and therefore be less susceptible to paralyzing political disagreements. That is to say, if an outside organization were controlling the US government, then it would demonstrate more competence than the US government is currently exhibiting. Randall previously alluded to this in the title text to comic 1081: "Really, the comforting side in most conspiracy theory arguments is the one claiming that anyone who's in power has any plan at all." This is one of several comics in which Randall expresses dismay at how many intelligent people can fall for absurd conspiracy theories; see comics 258 and 690, among others.

Addressee Brief Description
The Freemasons Fraternity claiming the legacy of medieval stonemasons. Organised in local groups, the so called Lodges.
Illuminati Secret society formed in Bavaria to further the ideas of enlightenment. Although officially banned in 1785, many conspiracy theorists believe the organisation might have survived and is still secretly exerting influence.
Scientology Self-proclaimed church founded by science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard. Often criticised for alleged brainwashing of its members and accused of hiding commercial interests behind religious claims.
FEMA Agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security, that has been granted extensive authorisations in cases of emergency and is therefore believed to act as an entity independent of governmental control.
The New World Order Not a secret organisation itself, but rather the concept of establishing a totalitarian system controlled by any elitist group in this list.
The Federal Reserve Central state bank system of the United States, therefore to some degree able to control the monetary circulation of the US Dollar.
Citigroup One of the four biggest American financial service corporations. Considered by the Financial Stability Board to be a "systemically important financial institution".
Halliburton International corporation offering technical services, especially in the field of oil and gas production. Also a major supplier for the US military. Halliburton was in the headlines for unethical business practise and connections to the former US Vize President.
Google Corporation offering Internet services, most notably the Google search engine. Known for collecting massive amounts of data about its users in order to sell personalised advertisement. The idea of secret plans of Google has been mentioned in comic {792}.
The Vatican Central government of the Catholic Church and residence of the pope. Historically important not only as a religious authority, but also as a secular political power.
Bilderburg (correctly: Bilderberg) Annual conference of important politicians, bankers, directors of major corporations and other people of influence, therefore considered the quintessential elitist meeting.
Walmart American retail corporation, best known for the eponymous chain of warehouse stores. As of January 2013, Walmart is the world's largest public corporation by revenue.
The Rothschilds Family of Jewish financiers that was later elevated into European nobility. Believed to exercise influence through considerable wealth.
Knights Templar Originally a medieval Christian military order of considerable influence, the Knights Templar were inspiration for many successive (secret) organisations that are sometimes believed to undermine governmental authorities. There is also an eponymous order affiliated with Freemasonry.
HAARP Ionospheric research project of the US military. Believed by some conspiracy theorists to conceal attempts to control the weather and trigger catastrophes.
The UN Large intergovernmental organization; most countries in the world are members. It has little direct power unless its member states choose to cooperate (except for its invisible black helicopter squadrons).
Skull & Bones A secret society at the Yale University that has many influential American politicians amongst its members, including former President George W. Bush.
Bohemian Grove Campground of the private Bohemian Club in San Francisco, known for hosting an annual encampment of club members and selected guests who are among the most powerful men in the world.
The Koch Brothers The owners of the second-largest private company in the United States and advocates of free market ideals. Known for contributions to libertarian and conservative political campaigns.
George Soros Business magnate and investor, who is well-known for supporting liberal political causes.
The Knights of Malta
The CFR
Exxon Mobil
The Zionists Political movement favouring the creation of a Jewish homeland, a goal achieved with the creation of the state of Israel. In a conspiracy-theory context, it references the belief that wealthy and powerful Jews (such as the above-referenced Rothschilds) control political and social institutions, as presented e.g. in the (fake) Protocols of Zion.
The Vril Society
The Lizard People Secret snake-men, similar to the aliens from V (TV series). This is probably a reference to the conspiracy theories of David Icke, which include the idea that an ancient race of god-like, shapeshifting Lizards have interbred with humans, and that these half-bloods now secretly control the world.
and everyone else who secretly controls the US Government
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