Friday, December 16, 2016

JFK Conspiracy Theories by Noah Garcia


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             On November 22, 1963, our president at the time, John F. Kennedy, was assassinated during a motorcade parade in Dallas by who many who believe to be Lee Harvey Oswald (“Who killed JFK? The Kennedy conspiracy theories explained”). The well-spoken and poised president was brutally shot and killed in an open roof Limousine during the parade in the company of his wife and the rest of the United States watching (1). After the verdict arose that Lee Harvey Oswald was the only person involved in the assassination, many conspiracy theories have been formed that try to pin the act on several different associations (1). Some conspiracy theories that have come to light that try to explain the three gunshot sounds in the video of his assassination is that there was one bullet that pierced JFK in the neck and badly wounded Governor John Connally or “the Magic Bullet theory”, that the illuminati was involved in the assassination and that the CIA was behind the entire assassination with the most likely of these to be the CIA’s involvement in the case (1). Many believe that the government is behind some of the most famous conspiracy theories that exist within society and that they try to cover up anyone who may set them back as a whole or expose their reputation. Let’s examine the case itself and the possibility of the CIA being behind one of the most gruesome assassinations in the history of the United States.

            John F. Kennedy was the 35th president of the United States of America and was born in Brookline, Massachusetts on May 29th, 1917 (John F. Kennedy, The White House). Kennedy was a brave and courageous man and when his PT boat was sunk by a Japanese destroyer, he led the remaining survivors of the crash to safety (1). When he came back from the war, he became a Democratic congressman from Boston and eventually advanced to Senate in 1953 (1).

Kennedy set out in his campaign to try to get America moving and his Economic programs led the country during its longest expansion since World War II (1). Kennedy also led plans for an attack on privation and property, and he also took action in the field of equal rights, where he called for a new civil rights legislation (1). As a white man, it was very uncommon for someone like him to be concerned with the issue of equal rights in society, especially in his time period. (2) Kennedy was also very courageous when he called Coretta Scott King to express his sympathy for Martin Luther King Jr when he was leading a protest in Atlanta, Georgia and was able to help get Martin Luther King out of Jail with the help of his brother, Robert F. Kennedy (2). His plans for America were based on increasing the prominence of national culture and arts within society and his plan was for America to continue to try and be the first nation centered on human rights (1).

 John F. Kennedy was a man who often acted out in times of need when his country needed him the most. During the Cuban missile crisis, Russia planned to put in place missiles in Cuba to fire at the United States, and he imposed a quarantine on all weapons that could potentially attack the United States or surrounding countries (1). While everyone was afraid of the possibility of nuclear war, Kennedy took action and was able to neutralize one of the most potentially dangerous threats the United States has ever been exposed to (1).
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John F. Kennedy was not like a stereotypical president and some of his actions and decisions as President of the United States were controversial as he tried to achieve his goal of creating, “a world of law and free choice, banishing the world of war and coercion.” (1). The beliefs of the average white American were strongly based on segregation and white superiority compared to the African American race. Since John F. Kennedy was like no other president, it is possible that his unorthodox way of achieving his goal led to his assassination at a motorcade in Dallas, Texas on November 22nd, 1963 (1). John F. Kennedy was also a very talented speaker who was able to connect to individuals within the United States and call to action the next generation of the leaders of America and those who were uneasy about war and violence (John F. Kennedy, History). John F. Kennedy had to endure the stress that comes with dealing with strong nuclear powers such as the Soviet Union but he was able to make a decision that shaped history during a period of turmoil and country wide panic. Kennedy also made a horrible decision that was very spontaneous and outright with the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961, which led to over a thousand former Cuban citizens having to surrender to Cuban forces (6). In his attempt to overthrow communism, Kennedy caused major resentment towards the United States from the small nation of Cuba, which could have ended in a Third World War if it wasn’t stopped from the source (6). This event shows how his spontaneous decision affected not only those living within the United States but also those seeking help from our massive nation. He was also pressured into trying to advance a country through technology with the Space Race against the Soviet Union, which put pressure on him to try and increase spending on Government program like NASA to achieve his goal of landing on the moon by the end of the Decade. Kennedy’s decisions were not always accepted by everyone within the United States and a few people didn’t like how he planned to eliminate communism around the world through the Cold War Effort (3).

            During John F. Kennedy’s City on a Hill Speech he addressed the General Court of Commonwealth of Massachusetts, United States (John F. Kennedy, Massachusetts Court, City on a Hill). Kennedy addresses his ethics and beliefs during the speech when he quotes John Winthrop by saying, “”that we shall be as a city upon a hill – the eyes of all people are upon us”, constructed and inhabited by men aware of their great trust and their great responsibilities (4). The speech shows how Kennedy was such an influential speaker that he was able to make an account that applied to American life years beforehand, relevant to modern day experiences and the standard the United States is constantly held against. Kennedy was a very strong speaking man and he was able to state exactly what he wanted out of our nation, by giving a call to action to those living in the United States, and anyone who looks up to our nation. During this speech, he addresses the fact that America is under a lot of pressure to succeed and everyone is looking at the city on a hill because it is held to the highest standard and there isn’t a single thing that goes unnoticed (4). He uses this opportunity to show his bravery by speaking out to a crowd of people and expressing his ideas. John F. Kennedy is described in a personal account by Kenneth O’Donnell taken by Arlen Specter in 1964. Kennedy's decisions are described in the interview when Kenneth O’Donnell says,” There was a party problem in Texas that the President and the Vice President felt he could be helpful, as both sides of the controversy were supporting President Kennedy, and they felt he could be a bridge between these two groups, and this would be helpful in the election of 1964,” he describes Kennedys motivation for coming to Dallas, Texas which eventually led to his death (Spartacus Educational).

In the previous quote, Kennedy is described as being motivated to help others and create a bridge between two groups of people to try and strengthen the connection with those in society (5). The Warren Commission report not only shows how John F. Kennedy’s actions affected other people, and whether or not his decisions are wise, but it also shows different opinions people have of him when it states,” for the Secret Service to arrange a route which would, within the time allotted, bring the President "through an area which exposes him to the greatest number of people."” (5). The report shows the unwise decision of choosing an open vehicle when he is trying to get exposure to the greatest amount of people which would expose him and his wife to anyone that would want to attempt to kill them (5). This Report also shows how Kenneth O’Donnell opposed the motorcade at first and the decision by everyone else to go ahead and go through with the motorcade affected him when it writes, ”Everyone agreed that, if there was sufficient time, a motorcade through downtown Dallas would be the best way for the people to see their President. When the trip was planned for only one day, Governor Connally had opposed the motorcade because there was not enough time.” because he felt like it was his fault that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated (5). Kennedy shows his bravery in this account by exposing himself to every citizen that could either praise Kennedy for his efforts as the current President of the United States or anyone who disliked him for his rash and spontaneous behavior. Kennedy was the youngest president ever elected into office, aside from Theodore Roosevelt who became president after President McKinley was assassinated, so it was devastating to lose such an influential and young president for our Nation (7). This account shows how one small decision could affect many others and it shows how a small action involving a single person can affect millions of people for years to come (5).

John F. Kennedy was a brave and courageous man who believed in his own teachings so much that he died trying to express them to people and help influence them to create a better nation for everyone. Kennedy was one of the most influential and strongest speaking presidents of the 20th century and his actions during his presidency have shaped and continue to influence many in today’s Society.

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            John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, was shot and killed in an open car when he was travelling through Dallas, Texas during a presidential motorcade (John F. Kennedy). Kennedy was one of the most influential and well-spoken presidents to ever hold office within our political system before his assassination on November 22, 1963. Many people believe Lee Harvey Oswald to be Kennedy’s killer, but there are also many different conspiracy theories that have developed throughout the years that may spark up new opinions or ideas about how and why they believe Kennedy was killed (9). Some conspiracy theories that have risen to popularity try to explain the three gunshot sounds in the video of his assassination, which was one bullet that pierced JFK in the neck and wounded Governor John Connally, or “the Magic Bullet theory”, and that the CIA was behind the entire assassination with the most likely of these two containing reasonable truths to be the CIA’s involvement in the case (9).

            The magic bullet theory is based on the belief that a single shell from a sniper rifle was able to enter in through Kennedy’s back, leave his body through his throat and strike Connally, in turn breaking a rib and completely shattering the bones in his wrist (9). The belief that this single bullet had massive collateral damage is very irrational, because of the trajectory of the bullet itself. In order for this theory to be more believable, the bullet would need to turn during impact and follow a different direction than the initial line of fire. The fact that the bullet would have to physically have its path of flight altered so much that it has enough impact and velocity to break Connally’s rib and shatter his wrist makes this conspiracy theory hard to believe. Because the trajectory of the bullet would have had to change drastically within a split second of time that it would take to enter and leave Kennedy’s body, some believe that there could possibly be an additional shooter instead of this “Magic Bullet” being the sole cause of Kennedy’s death (9). The likelihood of a single bullet doing as much damage as it is believed to have done, is very slim and hard to believe so it has led to people to start investigating possible shooters who were on the ground level with Kennedy (9). The warren commission debunked the magic bullet theory when they tested the same type of bullets from the same angle of trajectory on human cadavers and dead animals (11). The evidence stated previously shows that the magic bullet theory is hard to prove as credible and any evidence that supports it is based off of autopsy reports that may have been falsified in order to account for entry through the top part of the neck with an exit wound through the throat of the president (11).

            An additional conspiracy theory for President Kennedy’s death is the CIA’s involvement within the case (12). Due to the unlikelihood of the previous conspiracy theory being a reasonable explanation for Kennedy’s assassination, the CIA’s involvement with the murder of our 35th president becomes a lot more believable. One main reason that people believe that the CIA was involved within the assassination is the fact that many who were CIA agents and station chiefs in Dallas at the time of the assassination were killed the night before they were due to testify (12). Also George de Mohrenschildt, who worked for the CIA at the time of the assassination, was a geologist who drew close to Oswald in the months leading up to the assassination that was killed in cold blood the night before he was due to testify (12). Another piece of evidence that supports the CIA’s involvement within the assassination of John F. Kennedy is the fact that Oswald learned how to speak Russian while in the marines and was given money by the state to travel to Russia (12). Oswald not only travelled to Russia but he stopped off at Japan before coming home which supports the claim that he was working closely with the CIA in the months before the Assassination which was most likely ordered to infiltrate Russia as a double agent.

            The final major conspiracy theory surrounding President John F. Kennedy and Lee Harvey Oswald is that the Mafia was the original mastermind behind the assassination (10). Although the other two theories stated that Lee Harvey Oswald was likely the shooter, this particular theory brings up the fact that when Lee Harvey Oswald was tested for paraffin on his cheek, he tested negative(11). Another reason why the mafia was likely behind the hit on John F. Kennedy is the fact that his brother, Robert Kennedy, was “cracking down” on crime and along with his US attorney general, their “anti mafia crusade” led to an increase in the amount of mafia figures that were high up within the organization (10 &13). This theory is also likely to have happened because Operation mongoose attempted to work with Mafia leaders from the south due to casinos in Cuba being shut down under Castro's rule and the CIA has been known to work with the Mafia for major world operations (10). Another example of when the CIA used the mafia to clean up messy situations, was when they hired the mafia to try and assassinate Fidel Castro but were unable to do so after 3 attempts (10). Another coincidence that supports the claim that the mafia was behind the assassination of John F. Kennedy was the fact that David Ferrie, the man who was overseeing operation mongoose, was reported to have killed himself soon before testifying in front of the committee (10). The last piece of evidence that ties in the Mafia to the assassination of John F. Kennedy is the death of over 100 people who were believed to be connected to Kennedy's assassination within only a few years of what has been considered “unusual” by Penn Jones Jr from the Rebel Magazine (10 & 13). A large amount of people interconnected with Kennedy's assassination turned up dead and those who didn’t, ended up in the middle of other conspiracies, so it is likely that they were blackmailed into not speaking of Kennedy’s assassination at the expense  of their own lives (10).



The Results of a recent survey state that 90% of people surveyed believed that the CIA was behind the Assassination of John F. Kennedy, with the Mafia hit being the second most believable conspiracy theory and the magic bullet theory being the last conspiracy theory likely to have taken place. The results of the survey were unanimous and not a single person surveyed believed in the Magic Bullet Theory. The group surveyed was the majority adults with the exception of some teenagers that were willing to take part in the survey.



Although John F. Kennedy was assassinated in cold blood in front of thousands of people he left thousands, if not many more, witnesses of his death. With an extensive amount of witnesses and testimonies, the real reason why president John F. Kennedy was assassinated is bound to surface if it hasn't already. The most controversial of the three theories is the CIA’s involvement behind the assassination with the most reasonable of the three to be the mafia’s involvement behind the case. We may never know the real reason behind the assassination of John F. Kennedy but the conspiracy that the CIA was behind his death suggests that the United States government may have something to do with other major events or assassinations in US history.

       John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963 in Dallas, Texas while he was driving with his wife and Governor Connally through a crowd of people in a motorcade. His assassination has developed into three conspiracy theories:

1.         Was John F. Kennedy killed by a Magic bullet that went through the back of his neck by Lee Harvey Oswald?

2.         Was the CIA behind John F. Kennedy’s Assassination and did they use Lee Harvey Oswald to get rid of Kennedy?

3.         Did the Mafia originate the hit on John F. Kennedy?

Although there is a large amount of evidence pointing towards the CIA being behind the Assassination of John F. Kennedy, the tragedy that took place more than 50 years ago still remains unsolved.



 Works Cited

1 (S) Freidel, Frank. "John F. Kennedy." The White House. The White House, 30 Dec. 2014.       Web.               

            30 Oct. 2016.

2 (S)"Civil Rights Movement." - John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2016.

3 (T)"John F. Kennedy." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 2009. Web. 02 Nov. 2016.

4 (S) Kennedy, John F. "1961-01-09 Massachusetts General Court." MR65-221 Massachusetts General        

            Court, January 9, 1961. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Nov. 2016.

5 (S)John Simkin. "Spartacus Educational."Spartacus Educational. Spartacus Educational, n.d. Web. 02 Nov. 2016.

6 (T)"Bay of Pigs Invasion." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 2009. Web. 2 Nov. 2016.

7 (S) Walsh, Kenneth T. US News. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Nov. 2016.

8 (T)Goldman, Russell. "The Top 5 John F. Kennedy Assassination Conspiracy Theories." ABC News. ABC News Network, n.d. Web. 05 Dec. 2016.

9 (S) History.com Staff. "John F. Kennedy." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 2009. Web. 01 Dec. 2016.

10 (T) "5 CIA Conspiracy Theories That Are Actually True - Locklip." Locklip. N.p., 21 Aug. 2015. Web. 01 Dec. 2016.

11 (T) U.S. News & World Report. U.S. News & World Report, n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2016.

12 (T)"Who Killed JFK? The Kennedy Assassination Conspiracy Theories." The Week UK. N.p., 21 Nov. 2016. Web. 01 Dec. 2016.

13 "Disappearing Witnesses." Disappearing Witnesses. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Dec. 2016.


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