#1459 - Tom O'Neill

29 snips

Apr 16, 2020

Tom O'Neill, an award-winning investigative journalist and author of "Chaos," dives deep into the dark history surrounding Charles Manson and the cultural upheaval of the 1960s. He reveals unsettling connections between Manson and CIA programs like MKUltra, discussing how LSD was used for psychological manipulation. O'Neill also examines legal corruption and the tangled narratives of the Manson murders, challenging accepted truths and highlighting the complexities behind Manson's influence on his followers. His findings raise profound questions about societal perceptions and government ethics.

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ANECDOTE

20-Year Obsession

Tom O'Neill, an investigative journalist, was assigned a Manson murders article.
It turned into a 20-year book project after uncovering inconsistencies.

INSIGHT

Manson's Parole Leniency

Charles Manson's parole officer, Roger Smith, repeatedly let him off.
This leniency, despite parole violations, suggests outside influence.

ANECDOTE

Mexico Request

Manson's parole officer, Roger Smith, requested Manson be allowed to work in Mexico.
This was odd as Manson had been deported from Mexico in the past.

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HELTER SKELTER

The True Story of the Manson Murders

Curt Gentry

Vincent Bugliosi

This book provides a comprehensive and gripping narrative of the Manson Family murders, including the Tate-LaBianca killings, and the trial that followed. Bugliosi's insider perspective as the prosecutor offers unique insights into the investigation, the psychology of Charles Manson and his followers, and the legal processes involved. The book has become the best-selling true crime book in history and has had a significant impact on popular culture and legal practices.

The search for the "Manchurian candidate"

John D. Marks

John D. Marks's "The Search for the Manchurian Candidate" investigates the CIA's involvement in mind control experiments, particularly focusing on Project MKUltra. The book explores the history of these controversial programs, examining the techniques used and the ethical implications. Marks delves into declassified documents and interviews to piece together a comprehensive account of the project's goals, methods, and lasting effects. The book raises questions about the extent of government overreach and the potential for abuse of power in the name of national security. Marks's work remains a crucial resource for understanding the dark side of intelligence operations.

Chaos

Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties

Tom O’Neill

Dan Piepenbring

This book is the result of twenty years of meticulous research by Tom O'Neill, who questions the Helter Skelter scenario presented by Vincent Bugliosi. O'Neill's investigation delves into police carelessness, legal misconduct, and potential surveillance by intelligence agents. The book explores the connections between Charles Manson, Hollywood figures, and the CIA's mind-control experiments, presenting a complex and alternative view of the Manson murders and their place in American history.

Best evidence

Disguise and Deception in the Assassination of John F. Kennedy

David S. Lifton

In 'Best Evidence', David Lifton presents a meticulous and personal narrative of his 15-year search for the truth about the Kennedy assassination. The book argues that the conspirators who killed Kennedy altered his body and wounds to support a single-gunman theory. Lifton's research includes analysis of autopsy photographs and reports, highlighting contradictions between the Dallas and Bethesda evidence. The book is written in the first-person, detailing Lifton's journey of discovery and the challenges he faced in uncovering what he believes to be a 'medical forgery' of the President's body.

The White Album

Joan Didion

The White Album is a collection of essays by Joan Didion, published in 1979, which delves into the chaos and cultural upheavals of the 1960s. The book blends personal narratives with broader societal trends, including reflections on the Black Panthers, the Charles Manson murders, and the counterculture of California. Didion's unique voice offers a vivid portrayal of a pivotal era in American history.