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In reply to the discussion: Venezuela to probe Chavez cancer poisoning accusation [View all]geek tragedy
(68,868 posts)in good faith.
Again, the notion that that great powers would assassinate someone is not unreasonable. No one is disputing that point.
The claim that they would do so by giving someone cancer is not something rational people take seriously. It is most definitely "peddling a conspiracy theory" in the tradition of Birthers and 911 or Sandy Hook Truthers.
Those that believe such nonsense believe it for the same reason rightwingers believe in birtherism--political ideology overriding any interest in rationalism, science, and evidence. It reflects an emotional investment on the part of true believers.
It is the province of cranks and fantasists. Given the ideology of those advancing it, the most immediate historical parallel is Lysenkoism.
Indeed, no rational person has yet supported this thesis.
Here is the conclusion of people who understand cancer, medical science, and rationalism:
Dr. Elmer Huerta, an oncologist and past president of the American Cancer Society, told CNN en Español Tuesday that assertions that injections or poisons could have caused Chavez's cancer have "absolutely no scientific substance."
"Science cannot sustain this hypothesis," Huerta said.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/12/world/americas/venezuela-chavez-death-investigation/index.html
Fascinating that the Chavistas and the Koch brothers have an equal disregard for science. Must be an oil thing.