The Question of Lee Harvey Oswald: Motives and the Role in JFK's Assassination

Some 56 years after the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the question of whether Lee Harvey Oswald was the lone gunman or part of a larger conspiracy remains a subject of intense debate. The official report from the Warren Commission concluded that Oswald acted alone, but alternative theories suggest other possible scenarios. This article delves into the various possibilities and explores the factors that might explain Oswald's presence in Dallas on November 22, 1963.

Motives and Reasons

Political Activism

Oswald was known to have strong left-wing political beliefs and was involved with pro-Castro organizations. It is possible that he was in Dallas for political reasons, such as promoting his beliefs or attending an event. His political activism might have brought him to Dealey Plaza on that fateful day, although his exact purpose remains uncertain.

Surveillance or Observation

Some theories suggest that Oswald may have been in Dealey Plaza to observe the motorcade. This could have been part of a larger conspiracy involving other individuals or groups. If Oswald was part of a surveillance effort, he might have been gathering intelligence or performing a specific task that was later misinterpreted or misused in the broader conspiracy narrative.

Misunderstanding of Events

Oswald might have been in the area by chance, without a full understanding of the unfolding events. He could have been unaware of the assassination plot or mistakenly thought he was involved in a different, unrelated occurrence. This misunderstanding could have led to his unfortunate involvement or arrest.

Possession of a Firearm

Oswald was arrested with a revolver that he had used to shoot a Dallas police officer shortly after JFK's assassination. This raises significant questions about his intentions. While it is possible that he was involved in moving weapons, the exact reasons for his actions remain speculative. His possession of a firearm and involvement in another shooting incident near the assassination further complicate the questions surrounding his role.

Conspiracy Theories

Many conspiracy theories suggest that Oswald was either a scapegoat or part of a larger plot orchestrated by various groups, including organized crime or government agencies. These theories often propose that Oswald was used or manipulated to shift blame away from the true organizers. If this were the case, his presence in Dealey Plaza could be interpreted as part of a larger, more complex conspiracy to mislead the public and officials.

The Official Report and Personal Beliefs

The official report from the Warren Commission concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in assassinating JFK. However, some individuals, including myself, have reservations about this conclusion. I personally do not believe that Oswald fired the fatal head shot. The bullet that killed Kennedy entered the president's head from the right front, not from behind as Oswald allegedly stood behind the fence on the grassy knoll.

I’m not convinced that Oswald fired any of the shots, although he was on the sixth floor shortly before the shots were fired if not during the shooting. If Oswald did play a part in the assassination, it was likely a significant one, but he was not the mastermind.

Oswald proclaimed, "I'm a patsy," when questioned. The character of an arrogant assassin who had successfully carried out the deed would not have admitted to being the patsy. His statement, "I'm a patsy," suggests that he was more likely a victim of circumstances or an unwitting participant rather than the active assassin.

Conclusion

The historical narrative of JFK's assassination is complex and multifaceted. The reasons behind Oswald's presence at the scene and his actions on that day remain subjects of debate and speculation. While the Warren Commission’s findings are prominent, alternative theories continue to be explored by researchers and historians. Each new piece of evidence or theory adds to the ongoing investigation into one of the most significant events in modern American history.