Part 1: Preface and Introduction

© by Frances T. Shure, 2013

Editor’s Note:  Frances Shure, M.A., L.P.C., has performed an in-depth analysis addressing a key issue of our time: “Why Do Good People Become Silent—or Worse—About 9/11?” The resulting essay, to be presented here as a series, is comprised of a synthesis of reports on academic research as well as clinical observations.

Ms. Shure’s analysis begins with recognition of the observation made by the psychology professionals interviewed in the documentary “9/11: Explosive Evidence – Experts Speak Out” by Architects and Engineers for 9/11 Truth, who cite our human tendencies toward denial in order to avoid the discomfort of cognitive dissonance. Indeed, resistance to information that substantially challenges our worldview is the rule rather than the exception, Ms. Shure explains.  This is so because fear is the emotion that underlies most of the negative reactions toward 9/11 skeptics’ information. Ms. Shure addresses the many types of fear that are involved, and how they tie into the “sacred myth” of American exceptionalism.

Through the lenses of anthropology and social psychology, Ms. Shure focuses on diffusion of innovations; obeying and believing authority; doublethink; cognitive dissonance; conformity; groupthink; terror management theory; systems justification theory; signal detection theory; and prior knowledge of state crimes against democracy and deep politics. Through the lens of clinical psychology, Ms. Shure explores viewpoints described in the sections on learned helplessness; the abuse syndrome; dissociation; and excessive identification with the United States government. Two sections on brain research provide astonishing insights into our human nature.

Finally, the sections entitled “American Exceptionalism,” “Governmental Manipulation and the ‘Big Lie,’” and Those Who Lack Conscience and Empathy” contain valuable information from an amalgam of the disciplines of history, social psychology, clinical psychology, and brain research.  The final sections address how we can communicate about 9/11 evidence more effectively, and our human need for awareness and healing.  Ms. Shure concludes by quoting poet Langston Hughes in an inspiring epilogue, which asks: “Is America Possible?”

This month’s installment begins with Ms. Shure’s Preface and Introduction. Succeeding segments will continue the journey that explores contributions of Western psychology in answering the pressing question, “Why Do Good People Become Silent—or Worse—about 9/11?”

Grassroots Movement Grows
with 9/11 Anniversary Education and Action!

We have just experienced an amazing twelfth anniversary of 9/11 with AE911Truth. Because of the success of the ReThink911 campaign it’s been a time during which many thousands of people have been educated about the third tower that came down rapidly and symmetrically on 9/11 – World Trade Center Building 7.

Vancouver ReThink911 take to the streets jumbo size in September. See the ReThink911 vinyl banners that you can download for free and printWe have an opportunity to both reflect and move forward. In communicating with a number of activists around the world, I’ve discovered that there is a great deal to feel enthusiastic about – change is in the air!

From Texas to Canada to Australia, activists supporting AE911Truth, ReThink911, and the message of the experts represented in the groundbreaking film 9/11: Explosive Evidence – Experts Speak Out have been raising their voices and generating awareness! During the lead-up to the twelfth anniversary, on September 11, and as we launched another heroic anniversary effort, we strived for massive public awareness toward a new investigation. With our banners, signs, literature, DVDs, film screenings, and just plain talking to people all over the world, supporters are stepping up and standing tall.

Experts Speak Out in the Bahamas

We were invited to the Bahamas to be interviewed for a script being written by 9/11 Truth supporter and filmmaker Ric Von Maur. A few years ago Von Maur produced his first movie Wind Jammers, which was shot on location in the Bahamas, and he is working on his next one.  Von Maur kept a low profile for years after he became aware of the World Trade Center evidence ignored by the mainstream media, which dominates the news offerings in this island nation just as it does in the US.
 
Ric and Doreen Von Maur hosted AE911Truth in what turned out to be the most successful screening of our landmark film “9/11: Experts Speak Out” everVon Maur had been aware of Architects and Engineers for 9/11 Truth and was interested in how the life of Richard Gage, AIA, had changed when he transitioned from full-time architect to full-time CEO of the nonprofit organization AE911Truth. Von Maur did not want to write a “conspiracy” movie, preferring instead to write about the difficulty people have with voicing questions about the official theory of 9/11.We agreed to meet and suggested to him that he invite friends to watch “9/11: Explosive Evidence: Experts Speak Out“ and meet Mr. Gage in person. Preferring to keep a low profile, he was reluctant at first, but decided it was a great opportunity for Bahamians to meet Richard Gage, AIA.

After securing an 18-seat theater at the Albany Resort where 9/11: Explosive Evidence – Experts Speak Out could be screened, von Maur began to talk up the event. Word traveled fast on the small island and it quickly became clear that the audience was not going to fit. He decided to move the event to a 200-seat theater and placed ads in the local print and television media.

DC911Truth Hosts Top Speakers at Hotel Overlooking Pentagon

By AE911Truth Staff

On September 14–15,  just days after the 12th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, and as the historic ReThink911 campaign sparked questions and controversy around the world, researchers and supporters gathered at the Sheraton Pentagon City in Arlington, VA, for one of the most comprehensive national 9/11 Truth conferences in years: 9/11: Advancing the Truth, organized by DC911Truth.org. ANETA.org (Association for Nine Eleven Truth Awareness), added a bonus event on Friday night, in which several of the most prominent researchers in the 9/11 Truth community tackled a wide range of topics surrounding 9/11.

The conference was also co-sponsored by Connecticut 9/11 Truth and Monterey, CA 9/11 Truth, with endorsements from additional 9/11 Truth groups. The conference room afforded participants an excellent view of the side of the Pentagon that was damaged on 9/11, as well as the officially claimed flight path of Flight 77 and another path, farther north, that some researchers believe was the real flight path of whatever struck—or appeared to strike—the Pentagon.