Evidence of one conspiracy does not prove another, yet -- in today's hyper-vigilant atmosphere , it is easy to jump to assumptions, especially when it's related to a hot button issue...

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by Cheri Roberts

Evidence of one conspiracy does not prove another, yet -- in  today's hyper-vigilant atmosphere , it is easy to jump to assumptions, especially when it's related to a hot button issue.

Conspiracies happen all of the time and they happen all over the world. They are not unique to America or even the internet. The internet however, does allow the conspiracy seeds to grow at astronomical rates . In fact, to some, the mere writing of this piece is a conspiracy and I will be attacked for writing it.

Ironically, I often get attacked more relentlessly because  I myself am a conspiracy theorist   with  deep opinions on things like 9/11 ,  the FDA  and  more  so the expectation of many is that I too will buy into another conspiracy.

But, They're Real"

Although conspiracies are real -- and those trying to expose them are often lambasted, [it has been my experience] the average conspiracy theorist spends little time investigating anything  outside  of the theory they believe and when they do, it is with confirmation biased eyes.  

Of course this only narrows the view of the believer and little else can eek its way through.

To be fair, a turn of the mind after September 11th, 2001 and the previously unconstitutional  legislative constriction on American's rights  has left many feeling [rightfully] suspicious of just about anything.

Michael Hastings

In the case of the unexpected and  unusual death of award-winning journalist Michael Mahon Hastings  (January 28, 1980 -- June 18, 2013), there  are  enough red flags to warrant at least a serious and open-minded look; after all, it's  not like he was just some schmuck reporter no one knew .

Michael Hastings  didn't make waves, he made tsunamis and for  those who have been caught in the deluge , instant enemies; enemies that included powerful people.

There  should  be a  real , and thorough independent investigation and until there is, there are going to be questions and conspiracies.

And, just like those who  do not  believe in "crazy conspiracies" will not take the time to look at any evidence of one, it is unfortunately equally true that  those perpetuating the conspiracies about Hastings' death  also give little credence to things that point away from their theory and corroborate a non-conspiracy.

Alone In LA

Michael had been living in LA [alone] for at least 6-months  renting two apartments in the same building; one for living, one for writing.  

Michael and Elise Jordan had been married less than two-years at the time of his death.

In less than a year of marriage, Michael and Elise were technically physically separated for large amounts of time by this move and careers. Worth a glance, if you look at this video of the two of them from last summer [2012] , you will notice they do not behave as a loving couple, let alone newlyweds in comparison to the reporter John Avalon and his wife. In fact, the bubbly-ness and warmth Elise usually exudes [in other media appearances] is completely lacking in  this CNN piece .

When Elise finally did speak out after Michael's death,  she didn't have much to say that would indicate she was in fact investigating the death of her husband as has been repeatedly reported, nor does she say she believes in any way that something nefarious had occurred  instead saying, she believed it was just a, "tragic accident".

The Influence Of Substances

Michael had an admitted [recent] history of  Adderall   abuse.  Amphetamines were listed [however trace] as positive in the toxicology report .  DMT  -- a hallucinogenic, was also reported to be positive along with pot.

Unlike some recent headlines that  alluded Michael was using "meth" with all of it's connotations of snorting speed , there is no indication this was the case and sadly it is an unfair rumor being circulated as fact.

There was obviously some amount of concern over Michael's drug use on the part of his family because his brother had flown-in the day before Michael's accident for intervention however, there were no public statements by the family prior to the  tox report   about any potential drug use.

In an earlier interview -- while I was  investigating reporter Kimberly Dvorak's coverage of Michael's death , KTLA news reporter, Carolyn Costello, said that when she was vetting information on SSG Joe Biggs -- and the e-mail Michael had sent him and others, that Michael's family left her feeling that there was something of a "more personal nature" going on with Michael prior to his death.

Amphetamines are known to cause sleeplessness, paranoia and agitation.

A Paranoid State

Michael was clearly agitated and paranoid; colleagues, family, friends and  neighbors have reported Michael had been acting paranoid and was communicating "in code".

To further establish this, in  Michael's own words [in the his cryptic e-mail sent approximately 18-hours before his death]  he himself said he was being investigated and was going of the radar.

Was his paranoia brought on by Adderall abuse or had he been tipped off that something really was up?

Or both?

Or, as reported in LA Weekly,  was  there a genuine concern by Elise and Michael's family that his mental health was deteriorating ? Or as  reported by WRAP, were the previous reports inaccurate  and only fueling falsehoods?

Would others believe he was unstable simply because they would not/could not believe that his suspicions and accusations were true as is often the case when anyone discusses anything that sounds outlandish?

Information hasn't exactly been forthcoming , which has only added to the continued  flames of conspiracy over the fiery crash .

It is still unknown [at least to the general public] what some of the things in the message meant, including what exactly was his "big story" and whether or not there is anything to the "GQ/HQ" mention.

Emotions, PTSD, and Drugs

The birthday of Michael's first fiancé --  Andrea [Andi] Parhamovich , who was violently killed in  Iraq  at the beginning of 2007, was June 16th, just two-days prior to Michael's death.

One can imagine, understand and acknowledge the emotional toll  that  would take on Michael, especially if he was abusing Adderall or any other mind-altering drug.

Especially for one allegedly suffering from PTSD.

Could this be what culminated in him driving like a mad-man that morning?

Could the "accident" truly have been "just a tragic accident"? If so, what will it take for everyone to accept that as Truth?

Every journalist and responsible citizen has an obligation to stay objective and practice due diligence in their reporting or sharing of information.

Another Chapter For The Conspiracy Books

J ust as the  assassination of JFK , the  tragedy of 9/11 , and the curious deaths of  Paul Wellstone  and  Andrew Breitbart , the  tragic death of Michael Hastings  will always have the taste of conspiracy in the mouths of many.

Nothing I write in this article proves there was no conspiracy, but it does go to show that logic and Truth should go hand in hand.

Whether the conspiracies turn out to be true or false, the fact we live in such an era of corruption and cover-up that we have to be so situationally aware is a bane on the notion of Freedom; both in the Press and in the streets and valleys of this country we call home.

Authors Website: http://www.cherispeak.com

Authors Bio:
Cheri has worked in media for more than 20 years in one capacity or another. Her media years were spent mostly in broadcast radio; from being a live on-air radio host to creating and implementing engaging and effective marketing and promotional campaigns. Although no longer directly employed by any media cluster she still writes copy for a range of clients and does the occasional voiceover.

Having been a writer since childhood she was able to venture into most genres along the way, fine tuning her ability to write about anything; whether it's a technical manual, a company newsletter, killer ads or a hard core research piece, Cheri brings it to life with the passion of one who loves what they do. Publishing her first piece at the age of 7 yrs. old, Cheri discovered she could have a voice beyond the walls of her bedroom and realized "other people" were entertained by, and interested, in what she had to say. Writing has been her biggest passion and best friend ever since.

From Poetry to Politics there is no subject that she cannot find an interesting angle to write from. She does not endorse a specific political party and instead prefers to keep her work issue based. Currently she is simultaneously writing a non-fiction book (with a tandem screen-play) and a bedside poetry book.

In addition to being a diversely skilled freelance writer, Cheri works as a Marketing Director and Publicist for a variety of businesses across the country. By embracing and including today's Social Media tools and the power of live events, she teaches companies the value of accessibility and human interaction to a "Brand" and how to capitalize on that in the current marketplace. As a business networker and promoter she is fearless and spot-on in helping businesses get ahead. For her tireless work ethic and bottomless pool of creative ideas she has been dubbed "The Machine" by many.

Deciding to create and maintain her own Blog as a sort of clearinghouse of all things "Cheri" www.CheriSpeak.com was born. In its highly organized and easy to navigate pages you can find countless articles on a variety of subjects that include politics, health, community, music, and more. You will also find a library of poetry from erotic to dark, countless audio files of interviews she has done over the years and accolades for her business endeavors. There are also samples of her drawings and singing voice as well as images that represent her activist, business, and personal lives. *All content on Cheri's Blog is original unless otherwise noted.

"If we have connected here, it is my privilege. May we together find the reason for the connection and run with it!" ~ Cheri Roberts
http://www.cherispeak.com