Oswald in the doorway: the blog of the Oswald Innocence Campaign, by Ralph Cinque

A Tale of Two Conversations

by Ralph C Cinque

It's hard to imagine how the conversation went in the decision to turn Oswald's 40 foot walk to a car into a media extravaganza, especially when you consider that there were hundreds of threatening phone calls about killing Oswald. Still, I shall try to create it, But first, let's consider the conversation that should have happened.

Capt. Fritz: Chief, you got a minute?

Chief Curry: You bet.

Capt. Fritz: We're ready to transfer Oswald to the County Jail, but with all the threatening phone calls that have come in, I figure we better do it in the dead of night and without announcing it. We'll announce it after it's done. Better safe than sorry. And after that, his safety will be up to Decker. Do you agree?

Chief Curry: I do. Under the circumstances, we need an abundance of caution.  So, tell your men that until it's done, mum's the word.

Capt. Fritz: Will do, Chief. Thanks.

RC: Notice that that conversation didn't even mention the press. And that's because it's rational. There was no reason why the press had to witness a 40 foot walk to a car. Now, what follows proposes how the conversation might have gone. 

Chief Curry: Will, I figure we better wait until the wee hours to transfer Oswald and not announce it. One of those nuts who called might actually try something, and there's no point looking for trouble. So do it in the early AM, and we'll announce that it was done tomorrow. And then, hopefully, our stint will be over, and it will be Decker's headache. I'll see you tomorrow. 

Capt. Fritz: Hold on, Chief. What about the press?

Chief Curry: What about them?

Capt. Fritz: They are going to be mighty disappointed if they don't get to see Oswald.

Chief Curry: What do you mean? They've been seeing him all weekend, since two o'clock Friday.  

Capt. Fritz: I know, but this is big.

Chief Curry: What's big about it? You're going to put him in a car and drive him a few blocks to the County Jail.

Captain Fritz: I know, but to them it's a momentous occasion. 

Chief Curry: Well, the disappointments of the press are the least of my concerns. So screw 'em. We have a job to do and policies to follow. See you tomorrow.

Captain Fritz: Chief, I wish you'd reconsider. The fact is: it's the press who pay our salaries.

Chief Curry: How do you figure that? The money for our department comes from the city. 

Captain Fritz: I know, but indirectly, it comes from them. 

Chief Curry: No, it doesn't. It comes directly from the city.

Capt. Fritz: But, they pay taxes.

Chief Curry: As do we all. Look, I'm tired. I want to go home. Just move Oswald in the wee hours and without any fanfare. I've got enough to worry about. Quit fretting about the press.

Captain Fritz: Chief, this is about history, and people want to be part of it. I don't think we should deny them that right. 

Chief Curry: Well, you have a point there. So, what are you suggesting?

Captain Fritz: I suggest we do it up big. Turn it into a procession. Like a graduation ceremony... or maybe a Confirmation. We invite all the press. Cameras, lights, the works. We make it a spectacle.  We make it the most famous walk to a car ever. What do you say?

Chief Curry: I think you're out of your mind, but I'm too tired to argue with you. If you want to throw a party in the City Garage, go ahead; make it a doozey. But, if Oswald gets shot, it's going to be on you.

Captain Fritz: I can live with that.

Chief Curry: Let's hope he can. I'll see you tomorrow.