Sitting in a Starbuck's waiting for my car to be fixed.

[Aristus]

Walked in on a group of old farts spewing conspiracy theories about the Middle East.

I parked myself as far from them as possible, so I didn't have to hear the bullshit.

I know our fellow liberals warn us against developing our own little information bubbles. But there's a difference between letting in substantive opposition, and letting in ludicrous nonsense.

[B2G]

1. But did you buy a cup of coffee?

[Aristus]

2. Oh yeah. Not taking any chances.

I'm white, but I don't take anything for granted anymore...

[uponit7771]

7. +1

[TimeSnowDemos]

3. Funny how..

So many Americans spend hours a day on conspiracies, but can't be bothered to learn their own country's history.

[Aristus]

4. Learning requires effort and an open mind.

Believing, or promulgating, conspiracy theories requires no more effort than that required to run one's mouth with one's brain disengaged...

[TimeSnowDemos]

12. You say that, but

If you spend any amount of time with conspiracy theories you discover they spend thousands of hours 'researching' their beliefs online. They generate videos and websites and social media accounts to spread their beliefs, and trapse the world's comments sections and messageboards to make sure their beliefs are seen by as many as possible.

Frankly it would be much easier for many people to learn facts than put all this effort into their 'alternative facts'.

And it seems to be unrelated to party or underlying ideology. Back in the 2000s the conspiracy sites were awash with left leaning 9/11 CTers. Then it was right leaning anti-Obama folks.

Now I see anti-Trump conspiracies here.

It's more than just laziness. It's a deep distrust of media and institutions, and a fear or far away bureaucrats, etc.

And of course governments don't help every time they choose to fight transparency, or hire lobbyists or extreme ideologues.

[GeorgeGist]

5. Starbucks fixes cars?

[Aristus]

6. Yeah, wouldja believe it? Starbuck's: Not Just For Coffee Anymore...

Naw, Firestone is a couple of blocks down the street.

[peabody]

8. I'm at a Starbucks now.

Luckily, no conspiracy talk around me. Just a lot of light friendly chatter and a lot of people looking down into their e-devices (as am I while I'm typing this). Very relaxing here with my cup of Comfort tea (highly recommended beverage).

[Aristus]

9. The old farts are gone now.

A strong breeze must have blown their stench away...

[peabody]

10. Good for you!

I hope you'll enjoy you time waiting on your car. It's so hard to find relaxing places to hang out nowadays so I'm really glad Starbucks is allowing people to sit there with or without purchasing something. Of course, I always do but that's just me; I love to drink all types of teas.

[Aristus]

11. Yeah, Starbuck's has a good selection of teas.

I rarely drink tea, but it's nice to know that it's there if I want it.