To pocket profit, a shorter needs to buy to close his position. Conspiracy stories make great reading, but they don't reflect reality. The SEC checks out info and doesn't fall for propaganda. Cases are handled mostly by attorneys and accountants who tend to be skeptics.
Once you learn to stop growing emotionally attached to stocks and waving the NSS flag around, you'll become a much better trader.
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"We simply attempt to be fearful when others are greedy and to be greedy only when others are fearful."
-- Warren Buffett