As much as the conspiracy people are a thorn in my side, i can understand why they go that route. Sometimes, the crushing weight of all the tyranny around is leaves up pretty damn hopeless. I don't know about you guys, but there are plenty of times i just sit back and think.. we are neck deep in a stinking pile of shit and i have no idea how to stop these forces around me. The odds are just overwhelming, and it defeats a mans spirit. You could put hundreds of hours of dedicated work in to your cause, and gain nothing more than the respect of a few people.
The conspiracy must be some sort of escape, or a desperation thing. (or peoples minds getting carried away) Which is why i can understand their grasp for truth.
Of course, if i had to think of one thing i agreed with Ian on most.. it would be that we need to avoid the defeatist mentality in spite of all the BS around us. I try my best to do so, but its really difficult.
In regards to the intellectuals not being at LP meetings, i think its a vicious cycle of conspiracy theorists attracting their own, and repelling the real people.