Entrepreneur & Author
JeffCorbett.com
Would They Let Him Speak?
Famous critic of JFK investigation passes.
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When I was an undergraduate at the University of Pittsburgh, prominent speakers were frequently brought in for students to hear their perspectives on a variety of subjects. It was a different time when public debate on controversial issues was encouraged.
One of the most popular speakers was Dr. Cyril Wecht, who served as a Coroner and Medical Examiner for the city of Pittsburgh. Wecht was a prominent forensic pathologist known for his work on high-profile cases and his expertise in forensic medicine. He also served as the president of both the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the American College of Legal Medicine. In addition, he authored numerous books and articles on forensic pathology and had been a frequent commentator on legal and forensic issues in the media. He was best known, however, for his criticism of the Warren Commission’ findings concerning the assassination of President Kennedy. In 1972, Dr. Wecht was the first civilian given permission to examine the Kennedy evidence. As I recall, it was standing room only, to hear his spellbinding presentation to that college audience that I was privileged to hear in person – circa 1980. In no uncertain terms, Dr. Wecht proposed that the Warren Commission Report had lied.
Dr. Wecht passed away this week at the age of 93. He lived a fascinating life and as both a physician and an attorney, he was perfectly positioned to serve as the Coroner for Allegheny County in Western Pennsylvania. He was much more, however, than a local coroner since he was consulted on many national high-profile deaths to include Robert F. Kennedy, Sharon Tate, Elvis Presley and JonBenet just to name a few.
His passing gave me pause this week both since my father had known him through local politics in Pittsburgh, and the presentation which I saw that evening on the campus at Pitt. Would someone of Dr. Wecht’s academic accomplishments be allowed to speak on a campus now? His views were not without controversy, and he was of Jewish descent.
It’s a sad question and commentary about the times we live in. Unfortunately, I am confident that I know the answer. This cannot become the new norm.
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