The JFK Assassination: Debunking the Myths and the Real Truth

Introduction

For decades, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy has been a subject of intense speculation and debate. Many theories have emerged, with some suggesting that the assassination was linked to a desire to end the Vietnam War, while others point to President Lyndon B. Johnson and even the Mafia. This article aims to dissect these misconceptions and provide a more nuanced understanding of the events surrounding the tragedy.

Did JFK Plan to End the Vietnam War?

Some historians and theorists argue that Kennedy intended to bring an end to the Vietnam War. However, there is little to no evidence to support this claim. Historian Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. famously noted that there was no 'solid evidence' that Kennedy wanted to end the war. His chief campaign point against Richard Nixon was that he was 'soft on communism.'

Moreover, Kennedy's decision to support the overthrow of the elected government in South Vietnam and replace it with an American puppet regime made it nearly impossible to withdraw without damaging American honor. This move, considered extremely foolish by many, clearly demonstrated that Kennedy had no intention of ending the war.

The Motivation of Lee Harvey Oswald

Lee Harvey Oswald, the official assassin, is often described as an attention-seeking individual. His actions on November 22, 1963, were driven by a desire for notoriety, not by any political motivations. Oswald found the perfect opportunity when the motorcade would pass by his place of employment. This theory aligns with his history of prior attempts to gain recognition and publicity.

Was It Really a Mob Hit?

One conspiracy theory popular among some people is that the Mafia was behind the assassination. While it is true that Joe Kennedy, JFK's father, had ties to certain mob figures, there is no substantial evidence linking the assassination to organized crime. According to the War at Home: The Kennedy Presidency by Seymour Hersh, JFK's decision to withdraw air support during the Bay of Pigs operation hurt the mob's interests in Cuba, leading to a crackdown on their activities by Robert Kennedy. This scenario, rather than a benefit, may have made the mob hostile towards the President.

Conclusion

The assassination of John F. Kennedy remains one of the most misunderstood and controversial events in American history. While many theories abound, the most compelling evidence points to Lee Harvey Oswald acting alone, driven by a desire for attention rather than any specific political motive. The idea of a conspiracy, whether involving LBJ, the mob, or others, lacks concrete evidence and remains in the realm of speculation.

For a closer examination of the political and historical context, readers can explore books such as The Kennedy Babies by Catholic priest Robert F. Speer. This work offers a detailed analysis of the political forces at play during the Kennedy administration and reenforces the author's suspicions about LBJ.