Admittedly this is probably due to my own observation bias. However, it struck me as fishy that the scientific study claiming that conspiracy theories are due to perceiving misleading patterns (a.k.a due to a cognitive issue) was released right as George W. Bush negatively discusses conspiracy theories ("Our politics seems more vulnerable to conspiracy theories...") in a key public speech. All the while, convincing theories surrounding wide-spread pedophilia/sexual harassment and inexplicable evidence/incongruities surrounding the Vegas shooting are coming to light

I find it especially strange that the term "conspiracy theories" was coupled with "outright fabrication" in Bush's speech (exact quote: "Our politics seems more vulnerable to conspiracy theories and outright fabrication.") Seems an attempt to morally equate the two to his public audience, where there is no true moral equivalence. Lying is wrong, and positing alternative explanations for patterns of events/evidence is nothing like lying.

Just curious if anyone has looked into this more than I have, or has any opinion. Is this part of a wider pattern? Any background research done on the origins of the study? Any thoughts at all - just wanted to share mine and hear what you guys have to say.

EDIT: I was hoping that this would start more of a convo rather than just "yep it's a conspiracy!" - I'm curious for further examples and evidence to build a fuller picture. Anyone?