Are there any "researchers" here who started out as LNs but who are now CTs?

[Richard Smith]

That's a fair perspective - certainly more balanced than John's. But my God, there are at least 100 news stories every year involving multiple murders that are factually more ghastly than the JFKA. I read them, factor them into my perspective on human nature and what humans are capable of, and move on. I do think you grossly overstate the case in terms of Oswald letting a genie out of the bottle. There were surprisingly ghastly crimes long before Oswald, and the 1970's and 1980's looked nothing like today in terms of what you're describing. I think the near-hell we're living in today is due to factors much more recent than the JFKA. John's suggestion was that there is something illegitimate about anyone who is interested in the JFKA for any reason other than "JFK angst" and visceral hatred of Oswald. As stated, I'm very interested in Oswald the man and can have empathy for him without minimizing his actions. I can also be interested in the JFKA simply as a whodunnit and opportunity to exercise my brain, all of which I believe to be entirely legitimate. I actually think that the attitudes John expresses are an impediment to thinking critically about the case.

There has been a progression of decline since the JFK assassination that has made us numb to such acts.  My point is that on 11.22.63 society felt that the president was safe to drive around in an open car on a preannounced route.  Unthinkable today.  His traumatic and brutal death changed all that in an instant.  It also introduced the TV media spectacle that follows such events and often results in copycat crimes.  The nuts learned they could make a big splash.  I doubt any school or mass shooter of today has any idea who Oswald was.  They are more likely familiar with the Columbine-type nuts but Oswald still influenced that cultural shift.  If you are angry and blame others for your misfortunes, Oswald showed the way to get some payback.   Prior to that there was societal concern with morality, shame, and reputation that made such acts unthinkable.  There are certainly other factors in this decline but Oswald has a role.