I was devastated yesterday when I heard that John McAdams had died. He taught me, and many others, how to think about the evidence in the JFK assassination and how to think about claims of conspiracy. His website is an indispensable resource for researchers.
My relationship with John was entirely through e-mail. We never met in person and we never talked on the phone. I was hoping to finally meet John after COVID recedes and archives started opening. I have plans to visit an archive in Wisconsin and that would have been a perfect time for us to meet. Alas, fate intervened.
Many years ago, I was delighted when John agreed to put my paper, "A Conspiracy Too Big," on his website. He had to do a lot of work to convert the Word document and its formatting (particularly the footnotes) into http. It was quite an honor to finally make the 'big leagues.' He was also kind to put the conclusion to my book, On The Trail of Delusion, on his website.
Whenever I had a question about the assassination, I knew that John would most probably have the answer. His replies would be prompt, and to the point.
When I published I Was a Teenage JFK Conspiracy Freak, I was delighted when John agreed to write a blurb for my book. I've been quite privileged to get exceptional people to write blurbs for all three of my books.
I urge everybody reading this to go out and read John's book, JFK Assassination Logic: How to Think about Claims of Conspiracy. It's required reading for anybody who wants to understand how to evaluate documents and evidence.
When John had his troubles with Marquette University a few years ago, I offered to go to Wisconsin and testify on his behalf. I thought that perhaps a gay man could help his case. I also offered financial help for his defense. He didn't need my testimony and he already had a team of great lawyers, and I was delighted when he won his case. I've always been a big supporter of free speech - and even thought I am a big supporter of same-sex marriage, I also support the rights of people to be opposed.
The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) is a terrific organization. Please support them if you can.
I want to send my deepest condolences to John's family.
John McAdams, R.I.P.