About half of Texans are concerned about Jade Helm 15, this week's federal military exercise across the American southwest. Many conspiracy theories advanced by right-wing groups have driven these concerns.
Even the governor is encouraging state troops to monitor Jade Helm, which is largely subject to a media blackout. Conspiracy theories about the goals of Jade Helm 15 include imposition of martial law, an unannounced asteroid impact, or part of a plan to take away guns from private citizens. Jon Stewart tried valiantly to put things in perspective when Jade Helm was announced, but the folks who believe guys like Jon Stewart and guys like Alex Jones don't have a huge overlap.
image: U.S. Army Special Operations Command, via Wikimedia Commons
