I have often heard, and indeed repeated, the “FDR knew” theory that FDR was aware that the Japanese were going to attack Pearl Harbor. FDR is alleged to have intentionally kept the military in the dark so that the attack would be devestating and we would be forced to enter World War II. There’s a great article at Salon today by Judith Greer that examines the history behind this conspiracy theory, and evaluates the evidence used to promote it. After reading her article, I feel fairly confident that I’ll never be repeating that theory again. (The main reason I ever did is that Gore Vidal, who I respect, believes that “FDR knew.” Shame on me.)