So many different theories on why MLK was murdered. Everything from racism to the FBI was involved to the guy was just nuts.

My question is what do you think the motive for MLK's murder most likely was? And do you think James Ray is the guy who really did it?

Racism.

James Earl Ray was guilty.

Hate. Because he was black and trying to help his people. Too many racists that didn’t want that change. Too many feared that change. I was a child back then. But old enough to hear the adults talking.

Race for sure (whether it was Ray himself, or that whole kooky plot hatched by "Raoul")

I'm embarrassed to say OP that I don't know enough about MLK's assassination to have a truly informed opinion. That said however, my uninformed, knee jerk opinion has always been that his killer wanted to silence him. He was a very public and revered figurehead of a civil rights movement that a lot of people wanted to shut down. IMO James Ray, driven by his hatred, bigotry, and sinister ambitions decided that the best way to achieve that end was to take MLK out. Again, these are only my uninformed opinions.

Didn’t they find JER’s fingerprints on the murder weapon that was found in the room he was staying at across the street? It seems pretty clear based on what I know that he certainly pulled the trigger. I’m not read up on the case enough to know what the conspiracy theories are that are out there. But I tend to take most conspiracy theories, especially ones involving the government, with a grain of salt. It’s hard to imagine someone not talking or giving a deathbed confession through all of the years if that were the case. I think it was a solo act, likely motivated by either racism or the desire to make himself famous

Didn’t they find JER’s fingerprints on the murder weapon that was found in the room he was staying at across the street? It seems pretty clear based on what I know that he certainly pulled the trigger. I’m not read up on the case enough to know what the conspiracy theories are that are out there. But I tend to take most conspiracy theories, especially ones involving the government, with a grain of salt. It’s hard to imagine someone not talking or giving a deathbed confession through all of the years if that were the case. I think it was a solo act, likely motivated by either racism or the desire to make himself famous

He admitted to buying the rifle. His fingerprints were found on the rifle, as well as a pair of binoculars that were thrown haphazardly next door to the boarding house that he was staying in. He confessed to the murder and said that he was confident that George Wallace would become president and pardon him. The UM segment did a disservice to MLK by producing that segment. Conspiracy theories are borne out of the fact that some people just cannot accept that a lone loser was responsible for taking out an icon and need to invent convoluted and nonsensical theories and scenarios to cope.

He admitted to buying the rifle. His fingerprints were found on the rifle, as well as a pair of binoculars that were thrown haphazardly next door to the boarding house that he was staying in. He confessed to the murder and said that he was confident that George Wallace would become president and pardon him. The UM segment did a disservice to MLK by producing that segment. Conspiracy theories are borne out of the fact that some people just cannot accept that a lone loser was responsible for taking out an icon and need to invent convoluted and nonsensical theories and scenarios to cope.
Ya. Admittedly I don’t know as much about the MLK assassination as I do about JFK or some others. But unlike those, I’ve honestly never even heard of an alternative theory on who killed King. I always thought it was pretty clear and universally accepted that it was James Earl Ray

Ya. Admittedly I don’t know as much about the MLK assassination as I do about JFK or some others. But unlike those, I’ve honestly never even heard of an alternative theory on who killed King. I always thought it was pretty clear and universally accepted that it was James Earl Ray

Same here LB. But I guess if there are still people out there who genuinely believe the earth is flat, than differing opinions on MLK shouldn't really surprise me too much.

Ya. Admittedly I don’t know as much about the MLK assassination as I do about JFK or some others. But unlike those, I’ve honestly never even heard of an alternative theory on who killed King. I always thought it was pretty clear and universally accepted that it was James Earl Ray

Far from it, the King Family has even been on record stating that they think James Earl Ray was innocent. At least one civil action came to the same conclusion. It is certainly not a fringe viewpoint and various theories have been put forth over the years as to what happened.

A variety of evidence can be presented both ways, but the time he spent on the run following the assassination and the fact that he made it to Heathrow Airport suggests that he had some help in making that kind of escape, it would have taken funds at the minimum which he did not readily have.

As with JFK, various speculation has been put forth as to the involvement of intelligence agencies, criminal organizations, rival civil rights factions, etc.

My own feeling is that the KGB wanted to get rid of him after deciding he could not be used for their purposes. The fact that Ray was caught halfway to the Iron Curtain (claiming to be headed for Africa) is just a "coincidence" I suppose. But like any theory this has its merits and demerits, and several others are quite plausible.

The only evidence that really sways me towards the lone nut theory is that DeLoach claimed until he died that their investigation showed Ray was such.

Far from it, the King Family has even been on record stating that they think James Earl Ray was innocent. At least one civil action came to the same conclusion. It is certainly not a fringe viewpoint and various theories have been put forth over the years as to what happened.

A variety of evidence can be presented both ways, but the time he spent on the run following the assassination and the fact that he made it to Heathrow Airport suggests that he had some help in making that kind of escape, it would have taken funds at the minimum which he did not readily have.

As with JFK, various speculation has been put forth as to the involvement of intelligence agencies, criminal organizations, rival civil rights factions, etc.

My own feeling is that the KGB wanted to get rid of him after deciding he could not be used for their purposes. The fact that Ray was caught halfway to the Iron Curtain (claiming to be headed for Africa) is just a "coincidence" I suppose. But like any theory this has its merits and demerits, and several others are quite plausible.

The only evidence that really sways me towards the lone nut theory is that DeLoach claimed until he died that their investigation showed Ray was such.

Wow MH...I'd never heard any of this before and it's fascinating to hear additional insights into this case. You've inspired me to look into it further!

As someone who is anti-conspiracy theories (I believe Oswald acted alone, ditto sirhain, no 5g in vaxxes etc. etc.), the one case where someone poses the question "which is one conspiracy that you believe in," the answer for me is this case.

A petty crook, and a hilariously incompetent one at that, does not change their MO to political assassination all of a sudden. Not to mention this once incompetent crook stays on the run for awhile and gets to London with the whole world looking for him. JER either did it for money under the guidance of someone else or he's innocent.

motive was hate, and JER obviously is a psychopath. I don't think anything that he says after the fact can be trusted. there is a lot of information presented in the UM segment, it is kind of all over the map and hard to follow. I think it is always tough for us to comprehend death, especially when someone as inspirational as Dr. King dies so young. I do think in this case JER is guilty and acted alone or was affiliated with some type of hate group, but it's important to know that he pulled the trigger and committed the crime. him being put away is just not enough closure for people and for me that is completely understandable. I think Dr. King knew that he was a target and would have attempts made on his life, which is why he spoke the way that he did right before his death.

Always been on the fence about this one. Its unclear if James Earl Ray had any particular history of hatred of or violence against African Americans. He was just a petty crook. I don't even think he was known to be in the Ku Klux Klan, something very likely for someone who had an intense enough hatred for blacks to do something like this. He may have been a white supremacist like many people were at the time but that's still a long stretch to murdering their great civil rights icon.

The circumstantial evidence points to him being the shooter. But even if he was, I don't think he acted alone. I do think there was something to the Raul story and he may or may not have been the man called JC Hardin. But who Raul was with or may have worked for or what the motive may have been we can only guess. Could well have been the KKK, or some shady government agency who for whatever reason saw MLK as a threat.

Unfortunately the biggest obstacle to the conspiracy angle was Ray himself, as he up until his death refused to give more info on it.

Always been on the fence about this one. Its unclear if James Earl Ray had any particular history of hatred of or violence against African Americans. He was just a petty crook. I don't even think he was known to be in the Ku Klux Klan, something very likely for someone who had an intense enough hatred for blacks to do something like this. He may have been a white supremacist like many people were at the time but that's still a long stretch to murdering their great civil rights icon.

The circumstantial evidence points to him being the shooter. But even if he was, I don't think he acted alone. I do think there was something to the Raul story and he may or may not have been the man called JC Hardin. But who Raul was with or may have worked for or what the motive may have been we can only guess. Could well have been the KKK, or some shady government agency who for whatever reason saw MLK as a threat.

Unfortunately the biggest obstacle to the conspiracy angle was Ray himself, as he up until his death refused to give more info on it.
We may never know what his personal motive truly was. If there was no evidence of a conspiracy then all we can wonder is why did he do it? was it for fame? was he crazy? I think it is obvious to point to hate or racism because Dr. King fought so adamantly against those things. But if the FBI did a thorough investigation, then I wonder if they are truly correct when they say there was no evidence of a conspiracy, or did they even put resources to investigate that? of corse IIRC, the FBI in those days were not very friendly to Dr. King, they were harassing him to some degree, which makes me feel there could have been a conflict of interest when it came to his murder investigation. This of corse just adds more ambiguity to everything.

Always been on the fence about this one. Its unclear if James Earl Ray had any particular history of hatred of or violence against African Americans. He was just a petty crook. I don't even think he was known to be in the Ku Klux Klan, something very likely for someone who had an intense enough hatred for blacks to do something like this. He may have been a white supremacist like many people were at the time but that's still a long stretch to murdering their great civil rights icon.

The circumstantial evidence points to him being the shooter. But even if he was, I don't think he acted alone. I do think there was something to the Raul story and he may or may not have been the man called JC Hardin. But who Raul was with or may have worked for or what the motive may have been we can only guess. Could well have been the KKK, or some shady government agency who for whatever reason saw MLK as a threat.

Unfortunately the biggest obstacle to the conspiracy angle was Ray himself, as he up until his death refused to give more info on it.

Foreign governments had various reasons to get rid of MLK, and some theories argue that he had domestic enemies as well. But Ray not divulging the details does not disprove a conspiracy, he was likely either a patsy, with no knowledge of the broader plot, or deeply afraid for his life.

We may never know what his personal motive truly was. If there was no evidence of a conspiracy then all we can wonder is why did he do it? was it for fame? was he crazy? I think it is obvious to point to hate or racism because Dr. King fought so adamantly against those things. But if the FBI did a thorough investigation, then I wonder if they are truly correct when they say there was no evidence of a conspiracy, or did they even put resources to investigate that? of corse IIRC, the FBI in those days were not very friendly to Dr. King, they were harassing him to some degree, which makes me feel there could have been a conflict of interest when it came to his murder investigation. This of corse just adds more ambiguity to everything.

It has always been interesting to me there were three prominent assassinations on LBJ's watch. That is if you count JFK, which technically was on his own watch but you know what I mean. That's more than any president in history.

Not suggesting anything as I don't really want to start a political argument on here, just throwing it out there.

It has always been interesting to me there were three prominent assassinations on LBJ's watch. That is if you count JFK, which technically was on his own watch but you know what I mean. That's more than any president in history.

Not suggesting anything as I don't really want to start a political argument on here, just throwing it out there.

Eh, that is more of an artifact of the times. I actually count 4, but two of those were the Kennedy brothers, and the other two were black leaders. All 4 had made a number of enemies and its not hard to understand why any of them might have been killed.

MLK Jnr is a widely beloved hero now that he's safely dead but a 1967 Gallup poll shows just how deep hated he was when he was alive.

And, as for why he was killed?

"human - problem. No human - no problem"

Within the African-American community, it is widely believed that MLK was murdered once his Civil Rights discussion began to shift to including a class-based analysis where poor whites and pro-union advocates could also benefit from challenging the mainstream elites.

MLKs speeches started talking about how poor white people were also victims of the system that also kept them at the bottom of the well and that rich whites fanned flames of racial hatred to keep poor whites from banding with poor and working-class Black people.

The moment he began to discuss class, he was silenced by whomever. There's no way JER was behind the assassination. Not alone.

It's just a matter of who had the means, motive and money to pull it off.

CBW

Eh, that is more of an artifact of the times. I actually count 4, but two of those were the Kennedy brothers, and the other two were black leaders. All 4 had made a number of enemies and its not hard to understand why any of them might have been killed.

yeah that's right I forgot about Malcolm X. Easy to see why he may have been bumped off, he was very hostile towards Progressive far left groups.

white idiots argue that "scary" Malcolm X made it easier for the CRM to get traction, but outside the specific circs of the wave of radicalism of that period. radical activists actually *reduce* what the marginalized people they are part of can get. As borne out by how many Australian Aboriginal groups wish Lidia Thorpe would shut the freak up about "the colony", "colonial" "Aboriginal sovereignty over Australia" etc.

Of course, the Australian conservatives have been in Federal office for 20 of the past 26 years, oppose the notion of Aboriginal ownership of the land (as does most of the Australian electorate) and despise Thorpe and her ilk.

JFK, RFK and MLK were all killed and for pretty much the same reason. None of them were the establishment types that played along with the deception that was happening then, and has become pretty much normal since that most people don't even look up from their phones to notice these days. Consider them martyrs.

A reason disadvantaged whites feel wary about teaming up with disadvantaged blacks is that the white elite have convinced poor working class whites that all black leaders are race hustlers like Jesse Jackson and they will insult and verbally attack them for just being white.

This is one of those cases where the main story is most likely correct—In this case a washed up, racist, petty crook did this alone—but I wouldn’t be surprised if it came out in the future that there was a conspiracy to kill MLK—likely a private one than a government conspiracy.

This is one of those cases where the main story is most likely correct—In this case a washed up, racist, petty crook did this alone—but I wouldn’t be surprised if it came out in the future that there was a conspiracy to kill MLK—likely a private one than a government conspiracy.

But, we know that government officials (and LE) were happy to give help to "preserve the white South" groups - look at the Mississippi Burning murders.

It would be a mistake to think there wasn't at least *some* coordination in MLK's death. Not that we'll ever be able to prove it - as with the CIA's known destruction of MKULTRA records, anything that would successfully incriminate important Southern political and LE figures in King's murder are likely long since gone.

This is one of those cases where the main story is most likely correct—In this case a washed up, racist, petty crook did this alone—but I wouldn’t be surprised if it came out in the future that there was a conspiracy to kill MLK—likely a private one than a government conspiracy.

The government (elites) for sure. MLK was doing things that the elites these days would loathe. The race hustlers like Sharpton or Jesse Jackson or whoever are the ones they like that stir the pot. The legit ones like MLK who want people to live in harmony together are NOT the ones they want to keep around.

Put it this way, just think of how at odds MLK's message is with BLM today. I know what message I prefer. Divided is how they'd prefer us to be.

The government (elites) for sure. MLK was doing things that the elites these days would loathe. The race hustlers like Sharpton or Jesse Jackson or whoever are the ones they like that stir the pot. The legit ones like MLK who want people to live in harmony together are NOT the ones they want to keep around.

Put it this way, just think of how at odds MLK's message is with BLM today. I know what message I prefer. Divided is how they'd prefer us to be.

MLK was in the process of reaching out to poor working class whites who were - and are - just as shafted by the white elite.

JER was a nobody and yes, a fall guy. The real people who wanted MLK to be stopped neatly tied up loose ends and covered their tracks.

Just like the CIA did with MKULTRA etc. so that we will never know the full extent.

MLK was in the process of reaching out to poor working class whites who were - and are - just as shafted by the white elite.

JER was a nobody and yes, a fall guy. The real people who wanted MLK to be stopped neatly tied up loose ends and covered their tracks.

Just like the CIA did with MKULTRA etc. so that we will never know the full extent.

Yeah, pretty much.

But most people don't think for themselves. They like the lone gunman thing because it is fed to them. Just imagine the power the people would have over the government today if they were NOT divided by race. They don't want that.

Yeah, pretty much.

But most people don't think for themselves. They like the lone gunman thing because it is fed to them. Just imagine the power the people would have over the government today if they were NOT divided by race. They don't want that.

LBJ is the only President to have actively made an determined effort to end USA poverty. The pro-socialist far left brought him down over Vietnam - and therefore made sure that there would be no more such efforts.

Within the African-American community, it is widely believed that MLK was murdered once his Civil Rights discussion began to shift to including a class-based analysis where poor whites and pro-union advocates could also benefit from challenging the mainstream elites.

MLKs speeches started talking about how poor white people were also victims of the system that also kept them at the bottom of the well and that rich whites fanned flames of racial hatred to keep poor whites from banding with poor and working-class Black people.

The moment he began to discuss class, he was silenced by whomever. There's no way JER was behind the assassination. Not alone.

It's just a matter of who had the means, motive and money to pull it off.

CBW

This is what is overlooked by so many people. MLK was now entering into uniting poor people in general. This was very dangerous. He was also starting to speak out against the Vietnam war.

LBJ is the only President to have actively made an determined effort to end USA poverty. The pro-socialist far left brought him down over Vietnam - and therefore made sure that there would be no more such efforts.

He did no such thing. All he did was package a series of handouts designed to buy favour and call it the "war on poverty." Similar to the "war on drugs" the name is virtually Orwellian in that its actual form is the opposite of what the language implies (ministry of plenty, etc)

handouts is a conserva-bigot term. Same with "welfare queen".

It has always been interesting to me there were three prominent assassinations on LBJ's watch. That is if you count JFK, which technically was on his own watch but you know what I mean. That's more than any president in history.

Not suggesting anything as I don't really want to start a political argument on here, just throwing it out there.

yeah I don't really see the connection to Johnson. Primarily because as you pointed out JFK was president before Johnson. Also the Texas Governor was shot as well in the JFK shooting. The evidence shows that all 3 were killed by lone gunmen who had mental health problems as well as problems functioning in society. all 3 were lacking security protection that could have otherwise kept them from being killed by a lone gunman.

yeah I don't really see the connection to Johnson. Primarily because as you pointed out JFK was president before Johnson. Also the Texas Governor was shot as well in the JFK shooting. The evidence shows that all 3 were killed by lone gunmen who had mental health problems as well as problems functioning in society. all 3 were lacking security protection that could have otherwise kept them from being killed by a lone gunman.

We should have a nice LONNNGGG talk. :D

We should have a nice LONNNGGG talk. :D

haha I grew up around the city that is literally known for 3 things.. the show Dallas, a team that used to win Super Bowls, and the JFK shooting. I've heard all the conspiracies and watched one too many documentaries. I've been listening to a sports talk radio DJ for the past 22 years that is so obsessed with the JFK assassination and conspiracy theories that he purchased LHO's bath tub...at least that's the rumor. I know people feel strongly about these topics so I don't expect anyone else to see it the way I do.

handouts is a conserva-bigot term. Same with "welfare queen".


Nope, handouts is just descriptive. What do you call something which was given to you without you working for it? A handout. It also carries a connotation of being done without much concern for the recipients which is also accurate.

"conserva-bigot" on the other hand clearly smacks of someone thinking in "four legs good, two legs bad" terms without nuance.

yeah I don't really see the connection to Johnson. Primarily because as you pointed out JFK was president before Johnson. Also the Texas Governor was shot as well in the JFK shooting. The evidence shows that all 3 were killed by lone gunmen who had mental health problems as well as problems functioning in society. all 3 were lacking security protection that could have otherwise kept them from being killed by a lone gunman.

The fact that they "could" be killed by loan gunmen is not an arguement that they were.
Someone not functioning well in society is, besides being someone subjective, not a barrier to them being part of a conspiracy (and in fact most would argue it would take someone not fully "functioning" in society to take on such a role in the first place).
Connally was collatoral damage, someone missed.

haha I grew up around the city that is literally known for 3 things.. the show Dallas, a team that used to win Super Bowls, and the JFK shooting. I've heard all the conspiracies and watched one too many documentaries. I've been listening to a sports talk radio DJ for the past 22 years that is so obsessed with the JFK assassination and conspiracy theories that he purchased LHO's bath tub...at least that's the rumor. I know people feel strongly about these topics so I don't expect anyone else to see it the way I do.

I could take all day with this of course, but I'll say a few things. Number one, the Warren Commission is a complete work of fiction to me. Secondly, JFK had given his "Secret Societies" speech about 7 days prior to his murder. No doubt about it JFK was barking up a dangerous tree where he was becoming aware of just how corrupt the system was. We could go on with that but I will leave it there.

Also, Oswald was killed himself. Jack Ruby, a guy you wouldn't want to be associated with killed him. Why? Ruby wanted to keep him quiet. Then Ruby himself died in 1967 in prison. If this is a lone gunman doing his own thing then why does a crooked night club owner go out of his way to shoot him? It wasn't just hurt feelings or anything. He was tying up a loose end. Also, watch the footage of Oswald getting shot. It is telling. There is a cop that walks in front of them, he is sort of making a path for them, moving the crowd out of the way. This is in a parking garage. Ruby shoots Oswald and there is a big bang. The cop is unmoved. Why would he act that way if he didn't know it was coming? He turns around in the manner that you would if someone was calling you to the table for dinner. Not if you heard a gunshot by surprise.

I kind of think what happened to JFK might have been like the movie Star Trek VI where elements on *both sides* work together to prevent peace. The CIA did a lot of illegal **** in this period so this scenario is both evil and quite believable.

This is what is overlooked by so many people. MLK was now entering into uniting poor people in general. This was very dangerous. He was also starting to speak out against the Vietnam war.

This. Pefectly quoted.

Given the damage President Dementia did to AIDS sufferers et al, someone should have trained Hinckley to be even better at firing. And asked him to deal with Bonzo's Lady MacBeth as well.

I kind of think what happened to JFK might have been like the movie Star Trek VI where elements on *both sides* work together to prevent peace. The CIA did a lot of illegal **** in this period so this scenario is both evil and quite believable.

Not much was said about it last year, but they released information on the Kennedy shooting. The government clearly did it. No one cares 60 years later unfortunately.

Given the damage President Dementia did to AIDS sufferers et al, someone should have trained Hinckley to be even better at firing. And asked him to deal with Bonzo's Lady MacBeth as well.

First thing I thought was, "What the heck did Biden have to do with the AIDS stuff in the 1980s?" :lol::lol:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5wfPlgKFh8

If you subscribe to the theory that MLK, JFK and RFK's assassinations were all covert, government-orchestrated plots, then I think the motive becomes clear: there were factions within our government who saw one or all three as threats to the white, conservative, male-dominated, American way of life.

Is this a trick question? Racism. Can't even add in vanity, because he tried to get away with it.

If you subscribe to the theory that MLK, JFK and RFK's assassinations were all covert, government-orchestrated plots, then I think the motive becomes clear: there were factions within our government who saw one or all three as threats to the white, conservative, male-dominated, American way of life.

The feminist movement thrived after all three of them were killed. I am not sure what you are getting at here.

The Kennedys genuinely went after the organized crime, both John and Bobby. They didn't just pay lip service like other leaders did, they actually tackled it. Maybe that got them killed, or maybe JFK's speech a few days before his death exposing secret societies did.

As for MLK Jr., he was doing something that the government/media hates to this day and that is sending a positive message to the black community. Family, God, values, love, peace, etc. A black community that is independent and free thinking is a black community in America that is harder to control. Which is why you still see the same thing in 2023. He was actually responsible for a lot of good things and the people that control the people that run America have never let people like that live very long.

The feminist movement thrived after all three of them were killed. I am not sure what you are getting at here.

The Kennedys genuinely went after the organized crime, both John and Bobby. They didn't just pay lip service like other leaders did, they actually tackled it. Maybe that got them killed, or maybe JFK's speech a few days before his death exposing secret societies did.

As for MLK Jr., he was doing something that the government/media hates to this day and that is sending a positive message to the black community. Family, God, values, love, peace, etc. A black community that is independent and free thinking is a black community in America that is harder to control. Which is why you still see the same thing in 2023. He was actually responsible for a lot of good things and the people that control the people that run America have never let people like that live very long.

Most importantly, MLK Jnr understood what Lyndon B. Johnson had commented on - the poor whites who are also treated like sh*t by Washington D.C. and Wall Street - and the Black commuunity can win the ultimate victory if they join forces with the poor whites.

I think non-British and Canadian Tories/American Republicans can see that "Labour/Liberals are politicizing this" is in the same category as "you are interfering in our internal affairs"?

I could take all day with this of course, but I'll say a few things. Number one, the Warren Commission is a complete work of fiction to me. Secondly, JFK had given his "Secret Societies" speech about 7 days prior to his murder. No doubt about it JFK was barking up a dangerous tree where he was becoming aware of just how corrupt the system was. We could go on with that but I will leave it there.

Also, Oswald was killed himself. Jack Ruby, a guy you wouldn't want to be associated with killed him. Why? Ruby wanted to keep him quiet. Then Ruby himself died in 1967 in prison. If this is a lone gunman doing his own thing then why does a crooked night club owner go out of his way to shoot him? It wasn't just hurt feelings or anything. He was tying up a loose end. Also, watch the footage of Oswald getting shot. It is telling. There is a cop that walks in front of them, he is sort of making a path for them, moving the crowd out of the way. This is in a parking garage. Ruby shoots Oswald and there is a big bang. The cop is unmoved. Why would he act that way if he didn't know it was coming? He turns around in the manner that you would if someone was calling you to the table for dinner. Not if you heard a gunshot by surprise. I can’t explain jack ruby. I know little to nothing about him. Talking with people from Dallas who were alive then: one thing they all talk about is how emotionally charged it was in Dallas and how upsetting it was that the President was killed in our city. And a lot of those people were republicans that did not support JFK, but yet had a lot of empathy for him. So I always thought that parading Oswald around Dallas in tunnels or whatever it was with other people around, made it possible for someone to attack him and yet perpetuate conspiracies. Of corse the police probably did not have training for that type of thing so maybe they were naive as well.

I was unaware that William Pepper, the main guy interviewed in this segment who pushed the conspiracy theory that James Earl Ray was innocent, went on a television program in the late 90's and was thoroughly embarrassed (https://www.deseret.com/1997/6/19/19318668/turning-point-skewers-ray-s-lawyer/) by the journalist who hosted the show. UM left out a lot of his conspiracy theory nonsense, and for good reason. He tried to say that the "real killer" was a member of a special forces unit sent to Memphis under the command of Billy Ray Edison, and one of Edison's men assassinated MLK, and that later Edison was murdered to silence him. Surprise! Edison was alive, was brought on the TV show and confronted Pepper, who sat there dumbfounded. Edison later sued Pepper and was awarded $11 million. James Earl Ray acted alone.

I saw this thread title and came on to post exactly what I posted above already.

I was driving to a family get-together today and thought of something I don't think I've shared here before.

Back in the early '80s, two of my aunts (my dad's sister and my mom's, respectively) had both just started college. My dad's sister was taking a criminal justice class and somewhere along the way had gotten interested in the case of somebody tried and convicted for a crime she felt he didn't commit. She started writing to the guy, and eventually arranged a visit with him at Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, which was actually only about 30 minutes away and at the time was one of Tennessee's maximum security facilities. So my aunt asked my other aunt (mom's sister) if she'd go with her, and she agreed. Mom's sister waited out in the lobby while dad's sister visited the inmate she'd been writing.

As she was waiting, this older gentleman struck up a conversation with her. They didn't talk about anything of really memorable substance and he never introduced himself, but she recalled him as basically a nice, friendly guy. After the man eventually was called for the visit he had been waiting on, the lobby desk CO asked my aunt if she knew the man. When she answered no, the CO told her it was one of James Earl Ray's attorneys. This was only a few years after Ray's short-lived 1977 escape, and I guess even just talking to his lawyer freaked her out so much she told my dad's sis she'd have to find someone else to go with her next time (which ended up being a non-issue because I don't think she ever made another trip back).

Anyway, there's that tangential story.

I was driving to a family get-together today and thought of something I don't think I've shared here before.

Back in the early '80s, two of my aunts (my dad's sister and my mom's, respectively) had both just started college. My dad's sister was taking a criminal justice class and somewhere along the way had gotten interested in the case of somebody tried and convicted for a crime she felt he didn't commit. She started writing to the guy, and eventually arranged a visit with him at Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, which was actually only about 30 minutes away and at the time was one of Tennessee's maximum security facilities. So my aunt asked my other aunt (mom's sister) if she'd go with her, and she agreed. Mom's sister waited out in the lobby while dad's sister visited the inmate she'd been writing.

As she was waiting, this older gentleman struck up a conversation with her. They didn't talk about anything of really memorable substance and he never introduced himself, but she recalled him as basically a nice, friendly guy. After the man eventually was called for the visit he had been waiting on, the lobby desk CO asked my aunt if she knew the man. When she answered no, the CO told her it was one of James Earl Ray's attorneys. This was only a few years after Ray's short-lived 1977 escape, and I guess even just talking to his lawyer freaked her out so much she told my dad's sis she'd have to find someone else to go with her next time (which ended up being a non-issue because I don't think she ever made another trip back).

Anyway, there's that tangential story.
reading that made me think about my own paranoia, a lot of it from watching too much UM. I hope I never have to go to a prison for anything. I might be interested in visiting Alcatraz one day. but for now I'm good with the picture I took from the GG Bridge.