Ron, I keep getting the sense that you are missing my philosophical drift and thereby missing my point. I am suggesting that most people are in denial all the time, regardless of whether or they believe the government OR the conspiracy theorists. I am suggesting that most people would rather cover up their extreme lack of real knowledge of what is going on with an outer facade of certainty and a strong opinion. I am suggesting that it has always been that way and probably always will be.

To put it simply: most people would be absolutely terrified to admit to themselves or others how little they really know, so they spend their whole lives pontificating and grandstanding about stuff as if they did know, because that makes them feel a lot more secure.

I've been watching people do it ever since I was a little kid, and it's a sorry thing to see.

As for Cheney and his friends, Ron...I doubt that they are as inept as you think (except in the sense of moral ineptitude).