Arguing against conspiracy theories is not that same as saying that real conspiracies, cover-ups, self-serving disinformation campaigns and hidden causes of major social problems never happen. They do although probably less frequently and often less dramatically that conspiracy thinking would have us believe. A case in point has to do with a major social problem, it’s explanation and a minor, but still impactful, conspiracy of sorts connected to it. The problem is, or was, violent crime. The explanation is a gasoline additive called tetra-ethyl lead. And the conspiracy was an effort to prevent Congress and regulatory bodies from banning its use since it was profitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Note that this story is NOT a conspiracy theory, but it does show a little bit of how the attempt to understand the causes of major social problems can be quite difficult, and how actors with selfish interests can sometimes contribute to these causes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First an account of the social problem, its resolution and the search for an explanation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sick Kids Are Just the Beginning of America’s Lead Crisis<\/a><\/h4>
For indispensable reporting on the coronavirus crisis and more, subscribe to Mother Jones’ newsletters. When Rudy Giuliani ran for mayor of New York City in 1993, he campaigned on a platform of bringing down crime and making the city safe again.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n