Robert Vinson

[Dawn Meredith]

Lauren,

You are in the enviable position of opening the doors of perception for a group of what appear to be thoughtful, courageous readers.

You might reassure them that even the most well-read and otherwise experienced deep political observers are often hard-pressed to avoid victimization by clever agents of disinformation. Over the years I've been fooled often, more than once in the most embarrassing of ways. As a result I've developed skin that arguably is too thick -- skin that at times may be impenetrable by the truth.

Alas, there are no easy formulae to apply to sexy tales such as Vinson's in order to assay their truthfulness -- beyond, that is, the application of common sense informed by as much deep political study as you can bring to the process.

Vinson may have been pitching a screenplay or novel. Literally. He may have told the truth as he knows it, but a "truth" regarding events designed to muddy the investigative waters. He may have been a witting spreader of disinformation.

What I conclude with a strong degree of confidence is that Vinson's story is worthless as an investigative lead unless we see its value as a variation of what Peter Dale Scott has termed a "negative template."

I hope this helps.

Charles

Yes: I think as far as I go the Vinson story-which I recall coming across a few years back before JD's book (I'd love to remember where or when I heard it). Is probably one of the few faults I could find in the Douglas work. It has not really sat well with me at all even less after seeing the discussions about it on many a forum.

But hey, even Michaelangelo missed a few strokes. Thus JD has earned the right to make a mistake or two.

When I was reading this particular passage a couple of years ago it so reminded me of Tosh's story. So I sent en email to both Tosh and Peter L. asking them if there was a connection, their opinion etc. Neither replied.

Madga, this is the best book on the case I think. And there are many really great books. Glad to hear you are reading it. I spoke with Jim last week and it is great to tell him about all the people who are reading it. A good companion book to this is Brothers by David Talbot.

Lauren: Charlie is so right. LIberals are notoriously uninterested in this case and that you can get a bunch to read this book is a rare feat.
Dawn