30-12-2010, 08:06 PM
Charles,
I agree with you completely as to LBJ's role. And, as Jack said, NOT "mastermind" but "criminal mind" best describes Johnson. Although he was up to his neck in the whole thing as far as his role went (fittingly, his SS code name was: Volunteer), assigning him the "mastermind" role would have been over his head. He was necessary for several functions, including being a co-orchestrator of the cover-up along with Hoover and Dulles, but with the power of the presidency behind him.
And, if Johnson ever had the illusion as to the grandiosity of his position in the execution of the plot, it was thoroughly shattered when his close friend, Governor John Connelly, was unexpectedly placed in the cross-hairs and deliberately targeted by the assassins. That sent a clear message to Johnson.
I agree with you completely as to LBJ's role. And, as Jack said, NOT "mastermind" but "criminal mind" best describes Johnson. Although he was up to his neck in the whole thing as far as his role went (fittingly, his SS code name was: Volunteer), assigning him the "mastermind" role would have been over his head. He was necessary for several functions, including being a co-orchestrator of the cover-up along with Hoover and Dulles, but with the power of the presidency behind him.
And, if Johnson ever had the illusion as to the grandiosity of his position in the execution of the plot, it was thoroughly shattered when his close friend, Governor John Connelly, was unexpectedly placed in the cross-hairs and deliberately targeted by the assassins. That sent a clear message to Johnson.
GO_SECURE
monk
"It is difficult to abolish prejudice in those bereft of ideas. The more hatred is superficial, the more it runs deep."
James Hepburn -- Farewell America (1968)
monk
"It is difficult to abolish prejudice in those bereft of ideas. The more hatred is superficial, the more it runs deep."
James Hepburn -- Farewell America (1968)