I believe 10% of conspiracy theories are true. It's just difficult to figure out which ones are true.

There was an article a while back about a George Bush 2 flunky (I should have saved it). She was talking about the social life of Washington outside of working hours. She spent a lot of time in high-class bars, socializing with other mid-level power people. I won't say that things are decided in bars, but connections are made, information is exchanged, and directions are forged to help the real decision-makers make their decisions. These are not real meetings, but they are indirectly influential. Maybe as influential as those real meetings.

I heard that American generals and admirals are paid $500,000 a year. If so, then such a job becomes coveted and will do what is asked. I'm not so sure all of generals are honorable. It's not hard for me to envision that political operatives are meeting with senior millitary leaders. Maybe in offices, but also in bars and golf courses. The players might not be talking openly about a possible insurrection, but the various factions are feeling each other out. For example, the Republicans might have a list of less-than-generals who might be sympathetic to a one-party rule (which I believe is still constitutional). These underlings can be promoted to generals later.

A mass conspriracy is unlikley. But there is probably an amorphous force (or two) moving through American politics.

I was an active party member in Canadian politics. Because of the nature of my business, I could not rise too high. But it was still an aphrodisiac to be on the inside of power. This creates that amorphous force.

In November 2021, 30% of Virginians voted for a political party that seems set on one-party rule. This is the most significant event since Mr. Trump took that escalator ride: American democracy lost its ability to self-correct.