Conspiracies that came to light

To continue the conspiracy theme, these I can't deny...



Project MK Ultra
From the 1950's to the 1970's the CIA took part in research aimed at discovering methods of behavioral modification. One of the goals of this project was to develop a "truth serum" to use on Soviet spies. This research, which was based on shaky scientific theories to begin with, was carried out on human participates, many unwittingly, others through bribes and misinformation. Heroine addicts, for example, were enticed into taking part in LSD experiments with the promise of being rewarded with heroine at the end.

The project had a huge scope, including sleep studies, research into drugs and toxins, a study of the effects electroshock treatment, hypnosis, verbal and sexual abuse, and even "aspects of magicians' art useful in covert operations." There was at least one death, biochemist Frank Olson, given LSD without his consent.

Every effort was made to destroy all documents relating to the project in 1973, but a large number of documents were incorrectly stored and so survived until being discovered upon a freedom of information act request. In 1977 there were lengthy senate hearings into the matter, and much was revealed, but much can be presumed to be lost.

http://science.discovery.com/tv-shows/dark-matters-twisted-but-true/documents/project-mkultra.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_MKUltra

Operation Mockingbird 
Again in the 1950's through 1970's, this operation involved the CIA paying off large media outlets such as The New York Times to publish propaganda.

"You could get a journalist cheaper than a good call girl, for a couple hundred dollars a month." - CIA operative allegedly says to Philip Graham, editor of the Washington Post

A similar operation is even now underway using fake social media accounts. From the Guardian:
"The project has been likened by web experts to China's attempts to control and restrict free speech on the internet. Critics are likely to complain that it will allow the US military to create a false consensus in online conversations, crowd out unwelcome opinions and smother commentaries or reports that do not correspond with its own objectives."
  
Operation Northwoods
Feast your eyes upon this document, sent to the joint chiefs of staff in 1962, and then to the Defense Secretary (who thankfully decided it was a bad idea): http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/news/20010430/northwoods.pdf

In order to drum up support for a war against Castro there were plans to stage fake attacks upon US bases and civilians. One plan involving the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base: "Sink ship near harbor entrance. Conduct funerals for mock victims."

http://io9.com/5838778/operation-northwoods-the-1960s-government-plan-to-fake-terrorist-attacks-on-the-us

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Cracked.com did this too (only much better):

http://www.cracked.com/article_15974_7-insane-conspiracies-that-actually-happened_p2.html