Conspiracies Part II

by Tom Schreck
Author of "Out Cold"



Last time I blogged on conspiracies, the consensus in the responses was that, while conspiracy stuff is fun and makes for interesting story telling, it shouldn't really be taken seriously.

But what about Operation Northwoods?

In 1997 during the JFK Assaination Review, a top secret plan was declassified and released to the public.

In short, Northwoods was a "False-flag" plan. A "False-flag" plan is when a government commits acts upon itself and blames another entity to garner public opinion to attack that government.

In 1962, the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Secretary, drew up a plan to have the CIA commit acts of terrorism on the US and make it look like Cuba was responsible. We're talking hijackings, bombings other acts where real innocent Americans would lose their lives.

Journalist James Bamford summarized Operation Northwoods in his April 24, 2001 book Body of Secrets:

"Operation Northwoods, which had the written approval of the Chairman and every member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, called for innocent people to be shot on American streets; for boats carrying refugees fleeing Cuba to be sunk on the high seas; for a wave of violent terrorism to be launched in Washington, D.C., Miami, and elsewhere. People would be framed for bombings they did not commit; planes would be hijacked. Using phony evidence, all of it would be blamed on Castro, thus giving Lemnitzer and his cabal the excuse, as well as the public and international backing, they needed to launch their war"

You can read the now declassified plan here

Ultimately, JFK rejected it. However, Northwoods showed what the government seriously considers.

Is it so hard to believe that leaders after JFK would come up with similar plans and that perhaps presidents after JFK might accept such plans to get their agendas and needs met?

For instance, suppose your oil money was endanger if the world shifted from using American currency for trade? Or suppose an extremist group stopped the development of heroin in their country cutting off the CIA's favorite way to raise money.

Wouldn't favorable public opinion towards war be convenient?

Suppose...

Tom Schreck's latest book "Out Cold" explores such conspiracies