Taki Magazine

When it comes to conspiracy theorists, whether it be those who question the official report on the assassination of JFK, those who wonder whether the Apollo moon landing actually happened or even those who believe the U.S. was behind 9/11, I’m much more comfortable with Americans who believe their leaders are always up to no good than those who show eternal faith in the goodness of their leaders. Questioning one’s government—even to what some might consider a ridiculous degree—is infinitely healthier than trusting one’s government without question.

But there is a difference between dissent and distraction. There is a movement currently underway to force President Obama to show proof that he is a natural-born citizen of the United States by presenting his birth certificate to the public. The movement has gained momentum, even getting support from men on the Right I respect, like CNN’s Lou Dobbs, and those I don’t, like the politically schizophrenic Alan Keyes. One Army soldier has refused to deploy citing Obama’s lack of citizenship and Congressman Bill Posey of Florida has even introduced legislation to require future White House occupants to be forthcoming with their paperwork.

This is stupid - and not because the mainstream media and liberals say it is—but because it really is stupid.

How conspiracy theories about President Obama’s birth certificate are not only stupid but distracting for conservatives.