Friday, January 7, 2011

6th Floor Museum

Eric's parents are in town for a visit and we decided to take his parents to the 6th Floor Museum. They both remember where they were when they heard JFK was assassinated. It was very interesting!

Camera's weren't allowed inside which is silly if you ask me. Even the Louvre allowed cameras. They just ask to turn off the flash so it doesn't ruin the paintings and photographs. But oh well. It was still very cool. I was never into history. But if you've been following this blog, you know it's much more interesting to me being in places where history actually took place.

Going through the museum and learning all the facts, then hearing all the conspiracy's was interesting. Especially when we got to the window where Oswald took his shot. Let me tell you, it looks a lot farther on television, and from the street, than standing in the window. Eric and his dad both laughed when they realized how close, and how easy of a shot it would have been. When I stood there I had no doubt in my mind he could have made that shot with the weapon that was used. It's weird to think all this conspiracy comes from people thinking it's not possible. All they need is a rifle and rifle range with 3600 meter targets. The X on the street wasn't even half that distance and you don't need to be a sharpshooter to hit that target. So with Oswald and his history, none of us had doubts. I'm not saying there wasn't another shooter. I'm just saying it's possible he did it himself.

The gift shop had something I thought was crazy interesting. It was data based on both JFK's assassination, and Lincoln's. I later learned that some of the data is flat out incorrect, but it was still interesting at the time.
Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846. John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946. 
Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860. John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960. 
The names Lincoln and Kennedy each contain seven letters. 
Both were particularly concerned with civil rights. 
Both wives lost their children while living in the White House. 
Both Presidents were shot on a Friday. 
Both were shot in the head. 
Lincoln's secretary, Kennedy, warned him not to go to the theatre. Kennedy's secretary, Lincoln, warned him not to go to Dallas. 
Both were assassinated by Southerners. 
Both were succeeded by Southerners. 
Both successors were named Johnson. 
Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln, was born in 1808. Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded Kennedy, was born in 1908. 
John Wilkes Booth was born in 1839. Lee Harvey Oswald was born in 1939. 
Both assassins were known by their three names. 
Both names are comprised of fifteen letters 
Booth ran from the theater and was caught in a warehouse. Oswald ran from a warehouse and was caught in a theater. 
Booth and Oswald were assassinated before their trials.
Watching the full video of JFK's assassination was pretty awful. All this time I thought Jackie-O reached back for his hat, I didn't realize it was his head. That's something that would stay in my mind forever. What a strong woman she had to have been.

The in-laws had a great time. It was neat, and sad to hear how it affected everyone at the time. I hope it's something we never have to go through again.



Dealey Plaza

Where the car was when he was shot

From the X to the window. Not that far.

Possible 2nd shooter