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The United States of Paranoia

Susan Batterman via Flickr CC, http://bit.ly/1aPZBle

You may have the impression that people who believe conspiracy theories are crackpots, but consider this: a recent Gallup poll shows 61% of Americans don't think Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone when he shot President Kennedy. Journalist and author Jesse Walker says conspiracy theories aren't a feature of the fringe and they're nothing new. He's written a book that starts in the 17th century to chronicle our recurring love affair with cabals, plots and intrigue. Walker joins Doug to talk about The United States of Paranoia. (Rebroadcast)

Jesse Walker is a senior editor at Reason magazine and Reason.com. His book is called The United States of Paranoia: A Conspiracy Theory [Amazon|Indiebound]

Doug Fabrizio has been reporting for KUER News since 1987, and became News Director in 1993. In 2001, he became host and executive producer of KUER's RadioWest, a one hour conversation/call-in show on KUER 90.1 in Salt Lake City. He has gained a reputation for his thoughtful style. He has interviewed everyone from Isabel Allende to the Dalai Lama, and from Madeleine Albright to Desmond Tutu. His interview skills landed him a spot as a guest host of the national NPR program, "Talk of the Nation." He has won numerous awards for his reporting and for his work with RadioWest and KUED's Utah NOW from such organizations as the Society of Professional Journalists, the Utah Broadcasters Association, the Public Radio News Directors Association and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.