> this guy has a career history that implies he isn't just another crackpot spewing theories
I love the optimism in assuming that being a crackpot and having a career in intelligence are incompatible!
I love the optimism in assuming that being a crackpot and having a career in intelligence are incompatible!
Consider this hypothetical: A person in intelligence knows something you would rather didn't get out, but you suspect there's a chance they will leak it. Maybe they have a personality that leads you to believe they can't in good conscience keep that secret, or maybe you're just callous and paranoid, doesn't really make a difference.
One thing you could do is convince them of something completely ridiculous that no one will take seriously. Even easier if there is a large existing community of nutters that already believe that (possibly you manufactured that too, just for such an occasion). Put on some little shows, make sure they see some documents they "weren't supposed to", and when they've bought into it enough have someone all but confirm it to them in person.
Then, if they're in a leaking mood, they'll discredit themselves for you.
Some real conspiracies are revealed, but they're mixed in with so much super psycho that everything gets discredited...
I can't remember where I read/heard this, but sure it is on the internet somewhere.
What if it was against his will? What I mean is what if he has served his purpose and the government did something to make him slip into borderline insanity?
Not saying that I even remotely believe this, then again. . . It's not like the US government hasn't carried out horrible, immoral, and unethical experiments before.
Seriously though, it' one of those fun Black Mirror-like plots that pop in my head occasionally. Since everyone is throwing out all kinds of what-ifs I thought I'd try to have some fun too.