‘Critical Thinking’ Expert Can’t Think for Himself?

Alex debates Demos spokesperson Jamie Bartlett who works with schoolchildren to warn them about misinformation on the Internet.

Aaron Dykes
Infowars.com
October 22, 2011

Demos spokesperson Jamie Bartlett tells Alex that his work in teaching schoolchildren to be more ‘critical’ of potential misinformation on the Internet has been mischaracterized. Barlett insists that critical thinking is key before trusting any source– and obviously this is vital… but at the same time, this gentleman makes clear that he’s quite convinced there’s no fire to the numerous smoke signals surrounding 9/11, 7/7 and many other “conspiracy theories.” Instead, he defers in many instances to the experts who’ve often uncritically regurgitated official explanations, insisting that he doesn’t feel qualified to explain (or perhaps allow himself to admit to) inconsistent evidence for himself. How can we ever know the truth when official mouthpieces and self-appointed experts shut out other qualified voices (take Architects & Engineers for 9/11 Truth as a prime example)?

Bartlett was, however, very courteous in trying to set the record straight from his perspective and this is not meant to convey a personal attack. Yet the fact that his group seeks to steer impressionable minds away from such alternative information is very troubling and dangerous. There is an agenda to undermine such unofficial accounts. Take for example White House Information Czar Cass Sunstein, who has openly advocated infiltrating and undermining conspiracy theories in attempt to counter information that doesn’t fit establishment positions.

This write-up reflects the author’s reaction to this exclusive Infowars Nightly News interview. Judge for yourself. See the BBC’s coverage of Demo’s classroom activities here.