"The Single Bullet Theory"

or...how to validate a magic bullet

The Single Bullet Theory (or "SBT") is one of the most discusses topic in this case.

Conspirationists call it the "magic bullet" an expression coined, I think, by Garrison: it is also a battle of words ;-)

In JFK, Garrison describe a bullet that moves upward, waits for a while, turns right, cause 6 to 7 wounds and is found in almost "pristine" condition on a stretcher in a corridor of Parkland Hospital.

Of course, when you hear this you think this theory is just plain b.....

But what is it about exactly?

I will not enter into a description of the SBT. You can find plenty of explanations here.

I would nevertheless like to destroy at least one of the urban legends about the SBT : the fact that without the SBT, the theory of a single shooter collapses.

It is false.

The Warren Commission says very clearly that “Although it is not necessary to any essential findings of the Commission to determine just which shot hit Governor Connally, there is very persuasive evidence from the experts to indicate that the same bullet which pierced the President's throat also caused Governor Connally's wounds” (page 19 of the Commission's Report).

The arguments of the conspirationists against the SBT are mainly:

• the impossible trajectory of the bullet

• the impossibility that the "pristine" bullet (C399) caused all these damages

• JFK and Connally are not wounded at the same time

• It does not match with Connally's testimony

I will not go through points 1 and 2. I am neither a ballistic or a medical experts.

It appears lots of false information was spread about the place where Connally was seated and its position, the wounds, and the so-called pristine bullet. You will find here some links to internet sites that do discuss these points and debunk conspirationist's theories..

I will focus on the last two points.

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