>Paranoia is alive and well. And, of course, we really ARE out to get them so their paranoia is justified. (Twist THAT one around philosophically)
Actually, the philosophical conundrum to which you allude is summed up in the well known adage...."Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not after you" <g>
"The Iron Fish: The water is cold...but the fish don't mind"
...Jay Jenks, boyhood chum