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IF AMERICAN STATES WERE REAL PEOPLE — AS GENERATED BY AI

Welcome to an imaginative world where technology and creativity collide in the funniest of ways. One advanced AI model has been tasked with personifying all fifty American states, transforming them into human-like characters based on their distinctive characteristics, historical backgrounds, and cultural vibes. From the sunny surfer persona of California to the cowboy spirit of Texas, it’s time to dive into the true power of Artificial Intelligence.

Keep reading for an amusing, enlightening tour of the country like never before. I’m sure you’ll find this thoroughly enjoyable!

(Credit to the website Travelrz.com)

Alabama – Meet the Hipster Forest Dweller of States

This AI persona is none other than Alabama, also known as “The Cotton State.” Pictured here is a bearded fellow who seems to have misplaced his razor, sporting a hat- backward, of course, because why follow the norm? He’s a ruggedly charming character, looking like he’s jumped straight out of a country music video. Right under that backward cap are glasses fit for reading. There’s an enchanting backdrop since our Alabamian friend is in the heart of the magical wilderness.

He isn’t the office desk type but rather the outdoorsy individual who wouldn’t be caught dead in a cubicle. No boss or manager could keep this guy chained to a laptop.

Alaska – The Ice Queen With an Arctic Attitude

There’s a new Ice Queen in town. Meet Alaska, “The Last Frontier.” This icy protagonist is youthful, with long, light brown hair flowing with the freedom of the Northern winds. She’s decked out in a hefty Winter coat, the hood of which is dusted with the frosty touch of fresh Alaskan snowfall. The scenery in the background is practically a dream for those living in warmer states, featuring white, pristine mountains.

This lady of the tundra would trade swimming at the beach for a snow-covered landscape any day. A tropical vacation? She’d rather had a dog sled. A desert hike? She’d choose an iceberg.

Arizona – A Tattooed Duo of Tumbleweed Tales

In Arizona, we meet a compelling duo- an-ink decorated, cowboy hat-toting gentleman and a blond woman elegantly dressed in a western-style vest. The man’s tattoo art speaks volumes of years of thrilling narratives and untold stories. His signature cowboy hat and goatee hint at a life spent acquiring a bit of desert knowledge. The woman adds a sparkling contrast with her sunny hair reflecting the warmth of the Arizona sun.

Up against the untouched desert landscape, these two people are perfect embodiments of the state. It’s a snapshot that whispers rich tales and adventures under the endless Arizona sky- and we love it.

Arkansas – A Bit of Flannel and Natural Charm

This down-to-earth couple blends comfort and simplicity that captures the essence of Arkansas, “The Natural State.” The man, casual and warm, is rocking a blue flannel shirt, his hair flowing longer than the Mississippi, which also subtly broadcasts an approachable, laid-back vibe that’s quintessentially Arkansan. The woman, with her long brown hair all the way down to her shoulders, is grounded in a beauty that reflects the state’s natural allure. They’re wearing their ‘average Joe and Jane’ badge with pride.

If there is anything to point out about this couple- the whole “Natural State” thing seems to really work with their natural and welcoming appearances, from their hair to their clothing.

California – Stylish Aviators Under the Sun

This guy is basically a model as he struts around a bright floral shirt with sunflowers, channeling the clinic 60s hippie style that still subtly influences California’s fashion scene. Topping it off are aviator glasses reflecting the state’s 300-plus sunny days a year, and the long blond hair is definitely a tribute to the classic surfer look. All these are as characteristic of California as its tech startups, vineyards, and film studios that everyone in the state knows and loves.

Against sun-soaked skies, majestic mountains, and expansive forests- this man embodies the Golden State’s laid-back vibes. A reminder that the pursuit of chill is just as pretty as the Pacific coastline.

Colorado – The State’s Curly-Haired Winter Queen

The spotlight is now on Colorado- represented by an AI-generated girl with long, dark curls who could win an award for ‘Best Hair in a Snowstorm.” The snowflakes on her curls seem to be having a party of their own. She’s bundled up in a cozy blue turtleneck, probably rated for those extra-chilly Rocky Mountain nights. And speaking of the Rockies, she looks just about ready to explore the 58 mountain peaks that span over the snowy state.

She’s surrounded by pine trees and snow mountains, like a one-woman winter wonderland,  giving us a glimpse into life in Colorado, where they don’t just weather the winter- they make it look good.

Connecticut – The Double Duo- More Hip Than Hipsters

This AI-rendered couple represents the state of Connecticut, the “Constitution State.” They’re sporting glasses and an air of casual cool that’d put even the trendiest hipsters to shame. This laid-back pair looks like they’re about to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon cracking open a mystery novel or exploring the nuances of a crossword puzzle. They were their average looks like a badge of honor- because in Connecticut, being comfortably normal just might be a thing of beauty.

They’re standing against a simple background, personifying their state’s quiet charm and intellectual energy. With their easy-going charm, this couple is living proof that in Connecticut, low-key is the way to be.

Delaware – A Couple Keeping It Casual

This adorable AI-generated couple represents Delaware, commonly known as “The First State.” The two, dressed in their comfortable and timeless daily wear, look like they’re pretty much ready for a casual day out exploring. The man has a scruffy beard that would make any millennial proud, coupled with a pair of glasses that lend an intellectual charm. The woman seems pretty approachable. It’s hard to believe these two don’t actually exist in the real world.

Delaware was the first state to join the union, so it’s no wonder that our representative couple appears to be confidently casual- they’re just reflecting a bit of pioneering spirit, the Delaware way.

Florida – The Land of Lizards and Palm Trees

You’ve just entered Florida, the “Sunshine State,” where AI has decided to embrace the local wildlife and manifest it into human form. We’re presented with a character who’s part man, part lizard, and entirely Floridian. From his reptilian eyes to his yellow hat and Summer shirt, he’s got the sun-soaked vibe down to a tee. After all, when you’re in a state that’s almost entirely a beach, why not go full-on sand lizard when you can?

Florida is the flattest state in the U.S., making it the perfect place for lizards. Our scaly friend would have no trouble catching those sunshine rays from just about anywhere.

Georgia – A Peachy Pair of Southern Charm

Here we are, folks; with the AI personification of Georgia, “The Peach State,” manifested as a vibrant young couple. You can practically smell the sweetness by just looking at them, or perhaps it’s just that classic Southern charm seeping through. Their smiles are as fresh as Georgia peach pie and have an aura that’s as inviting as a home-cooked Southern meal. Needless to say, wherever this couple may be, you’re certainly welcome there.

Of course, Georgia is known for much more than just peaches – and if there’s anything to learn from these two, it’s that Georgia is all about hospitality and plenty of charm.

Hawaii – Aloha and Flower Crown Included

If you’re looking for the epitome of “aloha spirit,” look no further than Hawaii’s AI representative. He’s got it all- the long white curls hare, a beard that can make Santa envious, a smile wider than the Waikiki beach, and flowers wrapped around his neck and head. His outfit screams tropical vacation, or native hometown hero, with a demeanor that just about makes you want to hope on a plane just to grab a Mai Tai.

This infectious vibe perfectly encompasses just about everything in Hawaii, which is why people travel from all around the world to get a little bit of the state’s sun and fun.

Idaho – The AI Duo: Potatoes Not Included

Say Hello to Idaho’s AI duo: a down-to-earth couple who basically encompass simplicity and sincerity. Although they might appear as an ordinary pair, don’t let that fool you. They’re as complex and fascinating as the state’s diverse geography. Their personalities seem to match Idaho’s motto, “Let it be perpetual.” Stable, sturdy, and timeless, they’re just like Idaho’s landscapes- beautiful, captivating, and full of surprises that you just might not have been expecting.

Although Idaho is famous for its potatoes, it’s also nicknamed “The Gem State” because nearly every known type of gemstone has been found there- go ahead and do some digging.

Illinois – The Modern Day Lincoln

According to AI, this is a representation of Illinois- a contemporary reincarnation of Honest Abe himself. With wide-eyed wonder, messy hair, and a face that would make any penny proud, this image captures the essence of “The Land of Lincoln” quite perfectly. He’s clearly traded in his stovepipe hat for an air of 21st-century style, but his character seems as strong and steady as the original Abraham Lincoln himself. At least, we surely think so.

Not only is Illinois famous for its deep-dish pizza, but it also happens to be the pumpkin capital of the world- and who doesn’t love pumpkins? Although Abe can speak for himself.

Indiana – Autumn Love in Hoosier Land

This AI human-like version of Indiana features a couple embodying the warm, autumnal spirit of the Hoosier State. Wrapped in layers of cozy clothing and, of course, a pretty, endearing hug, these two are exuding an undeniable energy that feels like the first sip of apple cider on a crisp fall day. Their contagious smiles are wider than the Wabash River, proving that Hoosier hospitality just might be a real thing.

If you were looking for a fun fact – Indiana is way more than cornfields. Just to prove this, we’re going to mention that they have a town called Santa Claus.

Iowa – Cozy Couple of the Corn State

This embodiment of Iowa features a couple that could probably charm a husk off a cornstalk. The man, casually dressed in yellow and blue, has the classic twinkle of wisdom behind those glasses. His white scruffy beard is also probably the epitome of farmer chic. The woman next to him seems to like his perfect counterpart, with a tidy low bun that basically screams practicality. They exude simplicity as if they’ve spent quite some time under blue skies.

You could almost hear the distant mooing of cows in the background and taste the first sip of a gold glass of sweet tea, simply based on this man’s farmer outfit.

Kansas – Oz Reimagined in the Sunflower State

In this AI rendition of Kansas, “The Sunflower State,” we’re offered a classic take on what just might be The Wizard of Oz. This man’s hat looks pretty close to the same one that the Scarecrow wears in the movie. The woman could also easily pass as a modern-day Dorothy, who just might be living a much simpler life than Dorothy herself. We wouldn’t be surprised to hear that these two are growing a few sunflowers out back.

We seem to easily know what this AI generator is thinking in terms of movies when it comes to Kansas, where these two people are an example of the state’s pop culture.

Kentucky – Some Fiery Bluegrass Spirit

These are the famous ‘Bluegrass State’s Ai representatives. Their flaming red hair perfectly mimics the famous fiery spirit of Kentucky, and although their smiles might not be as inviting at first glance, there’s a certain warmth that can’t be missed. While most people think of derby and a good glass of bourbon when referring to the state, these two offer a more classic side- especially when it comes to their preppy sense of style.

There’s no doubt that artificial intelligence did its best to render up a couple of Kentucky locals, and if we’re being honest, it ended up doing a really good job.

Louisiana – A Bit of Bayou and Braids

If Louisiana had a face, this AI-generated image this it right out of the park. The man, appearing every bit the gallant sailor with his weather-beaten cap and a faint hint of the sea in his eyes, screams of the state’s love for waterways. The woman, with her long braided hair, embodies the state’s French influence with a splash of Cajun charm. Their expressions really just mirror everything about “The Pelican State.”

Close your eyes, and you can almost hear the subtle notes of jazz music, the heartbeat of Louisiana, subtly playing in the background with a demeanor as warm as the state itself.

Maine – A Comfy Mariner by the Sea

Has anyone been looking for a sea-based logger to get a job done? We’ve found him. He happens to be generated by artificial intelligence. He’s wearing the sturdy expression of someone who’s just wrestled a moose and came out victorious. This lumberjack-seaman of Maine looks super warm and comfortable in his coat and almost as rugged as the rocky coastline he calls home. Of course, the background is a scenic backdrop of boats in a calm bay.

Moose wrestling aside, this embodiment of Maine’s famous coastline is as inviting as a warm bowl of clam chowder after a chilly day at sea. Just remember to wear a flannel when you visit.

Maryland – The Hipster’s Paradise

These two are wearing outfits that would make the trendiest hipsters wonder where they’ve gotten this style, and you can certainly see why. The overload of edge here is showcasing how Maryland’s spark is found in its perfect blend of sophistication and individuality. You can almost smell the waft of freshly baked blue crab cakes in the air around them. At least, that sounds really good, so we’d certainly like to.

AI knows that Marylanders are proud of the cultural diversity and styles around them, so if your idea of cool goes beyond the clichés, welcome to Maryland – you won’t want to leave.

Massachusetts – The Bay State Blend

This young couple is showing off the blend of old-world charm and cutting-edge innovation that characterizes the Bay State. The man might not be sporting a Boston Red Sox Cap, but it’s not hard to visualize the addition. There might not be anything too extraordinary about the woman that the AI generated, but we’d sure like to be invited to their house for a fine Thanksgiving dinner in “The Bay State.”

Massachusetts is known for successfully merging history with innovation, combining a state of rich history with a brand-new touch. From the cobblestone streets to the high-tech hub, it’s full of surprises.

Michigan – Sweaters Fit for Freezing

AI has brought “The Wolverine State” to life with these two cool Michiganders, giving a friendly nod to the state’s characteristics. The woman, in a cozy sweater, seems like she’s just about ready for Michigan’s famously freezing Winters. Meanwhile, in his jean jacket, this guy is basically throwing it back to the days of Detroit’s wildly known automotive glory. These two AI-generated humans go together just as well as Michigan’s two peninsulas.

Michigan is known for its Great Lakes and even greater hearts, and of course, we can’t skip past the fact that Michigan is basically the capital of cherry pie and kindness.

 Minnesota – The Outdoor Enthusiasts

It’s time to meet this Minnesotan couple, the AI-created generation of the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” The state is represented by a lively duo who have logged more hours in the Great Outdoors than they have on social media. With a practical hat for those midwestern elements, there’s a sense of adventure that’s kind of hard to miss. His female companion is hooked up to suspenders, ready for hiking in the expansive Northwoods.

Minnesota isn’t just about nature and lakes. Sure, it’s home to the headwaters of the Mississippi river, but it’s also a land of folks who value community, tradition, and a solid potluck.

Mississippi – Sun-Soaked and Dirt-Dusted

Representing “The Magnolia State,” we find a man who carries a post-gardening glow and a bit of Mississippi’s fertile land on his shirt. Dressed in a large farming hat and a bandana that hints at a long day’s work, his shirt speckled with the tell-tale signs of honest work- that’s right, those are proud badges of dirt. He’s the epitome of southern grit, hard work, and good old Mississippi perseverance.

Of course, Mississippi’s not all work, though. Known for its magnolia trees and deep blue roots, it’s a state that moves to the rhythm of Blues and a cold glass of tea.

Missouri – The State’s Unmasked Charm

Welcome to “The Show Me State,” brought to you by a bearded fellow and a blonde woman in a causal grey shirt. The man, squinting through his square glasses, wears a mix of curiosity and unmistakable Missouri pride. The woman’s sun-streaked hair works well with a certain kind of down-to-earth elegance that artificial intelligence seems to understand well. Although, these two are surely ready to dive into any adventures that come their way.

Missouri is home to over 6,000 awesome caves and a straight-talk spirit that invites you to explore a bit of hidden treasure and even more beautiful landscapes- the Missouri way.

Montana – Grizzly Bears and Great Views

Let’s take a trip over to Montana, the ‘Big Sky Country,” where mountain peaks reach the clouds, and the land practically stretches out as far as the eye can see. These two are AI’s depictions of the treasure state. The man is almost as rugged as the mountains in his backyard, with long black hair that would make any model jealous. Something about the woman’s natural beauty also amounts to Montana’s natural landscapes.

Although lots of people call Montana home, so do a ton of enormous grizzly bears- that’s because Montana actually has the largest bear population in almost all fifty American states.

Nebraska – Unleashing State Spirit

The “Cornhusker State” isn’t known for just that- while there are vast fields of corn, there are also bustling cities and vibrant college sports culture. Based on that, we’d like to imagine that this AI-generated Nebraskan man wouldn’t mind throwing on a Cornhuskers jersey, echoing the state’s devotion to their college football team.

These easy smiles and welcoming demeanors hint at the genuine friendliness that Nebraskans are known for, flowing just as smoothly as the state itself- since it’s literally filled with rivers.

Nevada – Silver State’s Glitz and Glamor

Utilizing advanced artificial intelligence techniques, a captivating image of a mature woman embodying the essence of Nevada emerged, portraying a striking resemblance to a Burning Man festival attendee. The AI ingeniously captured the vibrant spirit of the state, adorning the woman with eclectic attire and intricate accessories reminiscent of the festival’s artistic essence. She looks like she spent a few days in the desert for sure.

With a touch of ageless allure, her unique features and seasoned expression encapsulate the rich tapestry of Nevada’s history, culture, and desert soul, symbolizing the state’s unconstrained individuality and creative energy.

New Hampshire – The Great Outdoors

This AI representation of New Hampshire looks like a couple of characters who hopped right out of a modern Shakespeare novel if such a thing existed. Standing tall and confident in a pair of glasses, the guy’s giving off a kind of charming intelligence that’s as enduring as the granite state’s known for. The woman is fit and ready for New Hampshire’s incredible Autumn weather with practical outfits that are perfect for the outdoors.

With granite-faced mountains and picturesque lakes as a backdrop at every corner, the state’s general makeup perfectly aligns with the people that artificial intelligence has genuine when thinking of New Hampshire.

New Jersey – Garden State Locals

This is AI’s New Jersey duo, a picture-perfect representation of the state’s blend of style and essence. The man is a mix of laid-back and a bit of Jersey strength, with his backward cap, denim jacket, and lack of a smirk suggesting he’s lived and learned. Artificial intelligence is so smart when it comes to prompts, but there’s no way to know why it generated this woman when thinking of Jersey – but somehow, it works.

These people really do look like they’ve come straight out of the garden state, and hopefully, they’ve made a stop or two at one of New Jersey’s famous vintage diners.

New Mexico – The Enchanted Land

Under the canopy of the vast Southwestern sky, the AI representation of New Mexico stands as a weathered elder, his deep-set eyes filled with countless untold stories. There’s an air of gentle, enduring strength about him, as resilient as the desert landscape he originates from. Framed but the backdrop of a clear sky and endless sand, his spirit and both expansive and quiet- just like the endless stretched of sand dunes throughout the state.

Whether it’s the intensely calm desert or the lure of New Mexico’s capitol, Santa Fe, there’s something about the state has made it earn its name- “The Land of Enchantment.”

New York – Street Style Meets AI

New York is personified as a young man with an unmistakable air of dynamism and style. Fit in the latest street fashion; he epitomizes the vibrant hustle of the city that never sleeps. His stare is just as sharp as the famous skyline, with a stance as confident as a Wall Street broker by day and a partier by night. The iconic Times Square is glowing in the background, emphasizing the city’s never-ending heartbeat.

New York is the most linguistically diverse city in the entire world, and of course, we can’t help but mention the famous .99-cent pizza that you can grab before a Broadway show.

North Carolina – The Land of Pepsi

Here we have North Carolina, a young man with pure enthusiasm. He’s wearing a cap that could easily represent his favorite sports team and, of course, a pair of glasses for football viewing pleasure. North Carolina’s legendary tailgates are a huge part of the sports culture there, and it’s not hard to imagine this man taking part in them. He could be any guy from North Carolina, cheering from the stands on a Saturday afternoon.

Since North Carolina created Pepsi soda, we’re assuming that this AI embodiment of the state wouldn’t mind cracking open a cold one on Super Bowl Sunday – or any other day, really.

North Dakota – Prairies and Ploughs

North Dakota is known as “The Sioux State,” and it’s represented by a hardworking couple standing tall in front of golden grain fields and a setting sun. With her dark hair tied in a practical bun, the woman has a sense of quiet determination. The man, his hair darkened by the sun, has a weather-beaten resilience that reflects the spirit of North Dakota’s agriculturists. Their earth-stained clothing tells a story of long days in the fields.

But North Dakota isn’t only about farming; it’s home to rich Native American heritage and is home to America’s geographical center, from which it gets its nickname “The Sioux State.”

Ohio – Flannels and Family Roots

Welcome to Ohio, the Buckeye State, represented by a man who looks like he could chop a tree up in a single swing while also being proud of his heritage. His straw hat and flannel shirt are as authentically midwestern as a field of corn under a bright blue sky. The full beard adds a touch of ruggedness that complements those blue jeans. His eyes, though, hold a spark of friendliness that reflects the warmth of Ohio’s family-loving community.

And that Buckeye nickname? It actually comes from the state’s many buckeye trees. Apparently, those trees represent good luck, so if you’re running low – it’s time to head over to Ohio.

Oklahoma – Better Sooner Than Never

These guys are standing tall, representing “The Sooner State” that we all know and love. These two are embodying the rich history of their ancestors in the modern world. The man’s blue denim button-up shirt provides a touch of Americana, paying tribute to the cowboy and agricultural heritage that intertwines with Oklahoma’s native roots. The expressions on their faces are almost as steady and open as the state’s rolling prairies and endless country pride.

Tornadoes might come to mind when you think of Oklahoma – but there is, in fact, a whole lot more going on there. It even got its nickname from settlers who claimed the land.

Oregon – Always Ready for Rain

“The Beaver State” out in the Pacific North West of the country seems to have a representative that matches well with the rainy weather. He’s a rugged, older gentleman with a classic yellow rain hat and a bright orange coat. The brightness of his outfit is a nice contrast to the often misty Oregon climate, his white beard perfect enough to catch droplets from the never-ending drizzle that continually sets the mood.

Pennsylvania – A Youthful Legacy

Like the Liberty Bell’s ring, this AI generation of “The Keystone State” presents a young couple who seem to carry an aura of the state’s rich heritage. The man sport’s a beat, perhaps a note to Pennsylvania’s famous communities, while the woman’s smile represents the state’s welcoming spirit. Their attire blends casual modern with subtle hints of historical Pennsylvania style, seemingly borrowed from images of bustling markets in Pittsburgh or laid-back afternoons.

Around these two people, invisible but implied, are the state’s urban energy and serene countryside. From revolutionary history and forward-thinking – Pennsylvania is the birthplace of the United States, after all.

Rhode Island – The Salty State

We’ve reached ‘The Ocean State,” Rhode Island, with a laid-back man and woman who carry some salt-kissed energy. The AI has painted them with tousled hair, sun-kissed skin, and casual clothing, bearing witness to countless afternoons spent by the lapping waves of the coast. Their relaxed postures and typical of the state’s calming coastal charm, with a sturdy stance that suggests a pleasing familiarity with the harshness of the Atlantic Ocean.

It’s easy to picture one of Rhode Island’s stunning coastlines in the background- and that’s undoubtedly one of the first things that comes to mind. Despite its compact size – it’s all heart.

South Carolina – All Sand and Sun

South Carolina, effectively known as “The Palmetto State,” is a vibrant couple who just might have claimed every one of the state’s beaches as their personal backyard. Their windswept hair speaks to countless hours spent basking in the glow of South Carolina’s generous sunshine. Their attire can undoubtedly be considered country casual, mirroring the relaxed atmosphere. The only thing missing is a picture-perfect beach backdrop of sand and surf – a distinctive feature of the state.

From a great love of football to the proud declaration of being the first to secede from the Union – people in South Carolina have a kind of pride that is hard to match.

South Dakota – More Than Mount Rushmore

South Dakota, also known as “The Mount Rushmore State,” is represented by a rugged couple who are as sturdy and enduring as the state’s geological wonders. It’s easy to picture their hiking gear, layered for the notorious Dakota weather wings, and well-worn boots, suggesting countless treks across the Black Hills and Badlands. Their faces are lined with the elements, with a communicative resilience that is definitely needed in order to thrive in South Dakota’s wild weather.

South Dakota is famous for Mount Rushmore and its endless amount of caves and exploration, reminding us that the state truly is home to a remarkable tribute to American leadership.

Tennessee – The State’s Musical Melody

Tennessee is commonly known as “The Volunteer State,” brought to life by a couple who have a certain level of rhythm and warmth that’s widely associated with the southern gem. Dressed in denim, minus an instrument case over their shoulders, it’s almost like these two have just stepped off a stage in Nashville or Memphis. Their grinning faces reflect the joy of a well-played tune and the love of a community bonded by music and shared heritage.

There might as well be neon signs in this picture, with a Taylor Swift song in the background, promising a night of unforgettable entertainment and music that’s practically the heart and soul of Tennessee.

Texas – A Cowboy Keeping It Real

This is “The Lone Star State’s” representative- a man straight out of a Western movie scene. Donned in a sun-faded cowboy hat that has seen many Texas sunsets, well-worn clothing, and (probably) a set of leather boots, he’s a perfect representation of the rugged charm of Texas. The only thing he’s missing is a thick handlebar mustache and a few Texas tales that have been passed through the generations to this state-loving cowboy.

Although this cowboy’s demeanor is cool and casual, he’s certainly wearing a pride for his homeland. The background here might as well be a sprawling desert with an endless amount of cacti.

Utah – Endless Rugged Adventure

This outdoorsy guy has a personality as diverse as the landscape here- and he’s representing Utah in all of its glory. His hair and beard are pretty wild, matching the untamed beauty of the state’s terrain. The dirt smudges are echoing many days spent exploring Utah’s arches and canyons. Of course, his eyes are almost as bright as the clear blue of Utah’s skies, with a sunburn that’s representative of the state’s warm desert climate.

Behind him, Utah’s terrains stretch into the horizon, with red rock formations, rolling hills, and even distant snowy peaks that make up all five of Utah’s incredibly beautiful national parks.

Vermont – Hot Tea and Warm Smiles

This AI-generated pair is a couple of Vermonters who are bundled up for the state’s notorious winters. They’re rocking cozy-looking sweaters and woolen coats with a vintage charm that fits right in with Vermont’s small-town spirit. They’re a picture of winter warmth- you can practically hear the crunch of the snow underneath their boots. One thing’s for sure- they’re enjoying the vibrant reds of Vermont’s fall foliage that’s almost as sweet as the state’s famous maple syrup.

The green backdrop just might be hinting at the state’s nickname – “The Green Mountain State.” Known for its stunning landscapes, it’s a safe haven for hikers and nature lovers alike.

Virginia – The Backdrop of America

Meet Virginia’s AI-generate representation- a pair of young, fresh-faced folks who perfectly embody the state’s youthful energy and timeless appeal. These two have a casual vibe and attire, just like Virginia itself, which strikes a perfect balance between both comfortable and classy everywhere you go. Against a muted grey background, this couple shines bright, like Virginia’s rich history and cultural legacy that firmly stands out in the backdrop of America.

Virginia is known as “The Old Dominion” because of its status as the first English colonial possession in North America, which means there’s a plethora of historic sights and iconic monuments.

Washington – An Evergreen Man

This man, with a curly head of hair and a scruffy beard, perfectly captures the spirit of the untamed “Evergreen State.” The nickname quickly describes the geography, and his weather-appropriate coat could certainly handle any downpour. He’s wearing a style that’s as adaptable as the Washington weather itself that singles a hint of adventure and many days exploring the great outdoors. This perfect persona certainly mirrors the earthy character of Washington.

The landscapes in Washington feature everything from rainy forests to grand mountains. Despite being home to major tech industries, the state fosters a deep love for everything related to nature.

West Virginia – Flannel and Fall Foliage

Meet West Virginia, or should we say, meet our AI-generated embodiment of “The Mountain State.” With his plaid flannel, hefty denim, and hunting cap, this character is dressed like he was born and raised among the rolling hills and rippling rivers of this Appalachian region. The background boasts an abundance of fiery fall colors- perfectly capturing the essence of a beautiful fall in West Virginia. It’s very much a yearly thing.

This man’s rugged outfit is more than just an aesthetic choice; it speaks volumes about the state’s love for outdoor activities- hunting, fishing, hiking, you name it- they do it.

Wisconsin – For Dairy Lovers

Here’s Wisconsin, represented a young couple who have potentially taken advantage of “America’s Dairyland” and all of its milky glory. Whether it’s cheese, milk, or a good homemade ice cream- it’s hard to think of the state without a good Swiss cheese coming to mind. These two look like they’ve run the mill a few times and might even have a farm of their very own. Yes, we’re very jealous.

Although Wisconsin has to be known for things that don’t always involve cheese, they do produce almost half of America’s cheese products from there – so we had to point it out.

Wyoming – Cowboys and Endless Skies

It’s time to saddle up for an AI rendition of Wyoming, featuring a tireless duo sporting well-worn cowboy hats and sun-beaten leather jackets. Their gaze is as steadfast as the Wyoming wing, their smiles as warm as the setting sun over the prairie. They might not be standing against the expansive Wyoming sky, but there’s a spirit here that is typical of “The Equality State.” – with Yellowstone National Park included.

These outfits are a homage to Wyoming’ deeply rooted cowboy culture. As “The Equality State,” Wyoming blazed trails by being the first to grant women the right to vote in elections.

Washington D. C. – The Capitol

Stepping onto the scene with a sense of style, this AI version of Washington D.C. simply makes sense. Wearing slick aviator sunglasses and a vibrantly yellow T-shirt with the American flag, he’s rocking a charismatic blend of patriotism and effortless cool. With the iconic and recognizable capitol in the background, the generated scene manages to perfectly capture the mix of history, power, and energy that expands throughout the nation’s capital.

This guy’s clothing strikes a huge contrast with the city’s formal reputation. His cool attitude points towards the city’s dynamic, fast-paced environment- a place where change happens, and history is made.

Dyingwords Followers: Which one do you like best? Vote for your favorite by leaving it in the comment box. And, yes, it’s okay to vote for your home state.

COULD YOU WITHSTAND CIA ENHANCED INTERROGATION TECHNIQUES?

The United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has a 75-year history of covert, creative, and controversial operations. One black classified op is a series of tactics used to forcibly squeeze information out of resistant people. The program is labeled Enhanced Interrogation Techniques. Some call it torture. My question is, “Could you withstand CIA Enhanced Interrogation Techniques?”

There’s an interesting history of how the CIA’s interrogation program developed. We’ll get into that in a bit, as well as discuss what constitutes “torture” under domestic and international law. First, let’s get right into the 13 officially sanctioned interrogation techniques used by the CIA. In somewhat of an order of severity, and with a brief description of each method, they are:

1. Abdominal Slap — The purpose was to cause the detainee to feel fear and despair, to punish certain behavior and humiliate or insult the detainee, according to a description in government documents, obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in 2009. The interrogator stands about a foot from the detainee’s stomach and slaps the detainee with the back of his hand. The interrogator’s hand is held with the fingers together and straight and slaps the detainee’s abdomen. The CIA was using this technique prior to 2004 without approval by the Justice Department.

2. Attention Grasp — The interrogator grabs the detainee by the collar, with two hands, and pulls him closer in, according to a description of the technique by former CIA acting general counsel John Rizzo. Rizzo described this technique being used on Al-Qaeda operative Abu Zubaydah in his recent book Company Man.

3. Cramped Confinement — The interrogator would put the detainee in a box, sometimes big enough to stand in, for up to 18 hours, or one only big enough to curl up in for up to two hours, Rizzo said in his book. The interrogator had the option to put a “harmless” insect inside the small box when the technique was used on Zubaydah, because he hated bugs, Rizzo said.

4. Dietary Manipulation — This technique involved switching from solid foods to liquid. For instance, in August 2002, Zubaydah was put on a liquid diet that consisted of Ensure and water, a Senate report said.

5. The Facial Hold — The interrogator holds the detainee’s head so it can’t move and puts one hand on each side of the detainee’s face, keeping fingertips away from the detainee’s eyes, Rizzo explained in his book.

6. The Facial Slap/Insult Slap — The interrogator slaps the detainee in the face, with fingers spread, striking between the chin and earlobe, Rizzo explained in his book. The idea, Rizzo said, was to startle or humiliate the detainee, Zubaydah, and “disabuse him of the notion that he wouldn’t be physically hit.”

7. Nudity — This technique was used with others. For instance, a detainee would be forced to stand for prolonged periods while nude. The detainee would also be paraded nude in front of other detainees. Further, detainees were totally shaven.

8. Stress Positions — The purpose of these techniques is to stimulate mild discomfort from extended muscle use, according to a description in a government document obtained by the ACLU. Two such positions, used on Zubaydah, were to have him sit on the floor with his legs stretched out in front of him and his arms above his head, or kneeling on the floor while leaning back at a 45-degree angle, Rizzo said in his book.

9. Sleep Deprivation — Detainees were kept awake for up to 180 hours, often standing or in a stress position, the Senate report said. Sometimes, the detainees’ hands would be shackled above their heads. At least five detainees had “disturbing hallucinations” during this technique, and in two of those cases, the CIA continued the practice. One detainee, Arsala Khan, hallucinated after 56 hours of standing sleep deprivation in October 2003.

10. Wall Standing — A detainee faces a wall, standing about four feet away. The interrogator has the detainee reach out his arms toward the wall so that his fingers are touching it. The detainee would have to hold that position indefinitely, according to a description by Rizzo about this technique used on Zubaydah.

11. Walling — Interrogators slam detainees against a wall. In one instance, Zubaydah was slammed against a concrete wall, the Senate report said. On March 22, 2003, Al-Qaeda leader Khalid Sheikh Mohammed underwent “intense” questioning and walling. Giving up no new information, interrogators water-boarded him. After an hour of that, he said he was “ready to talk,” the CIA said.

12. Waterboarding — The detainee is strapped to a board or bench, and water is poured over the detainee’s face to simulate drowning. According to the Senate report, the technique brought on convulsions and vomiting, immediate fluid intake, and involuntary leg, chest, and arm spasms. Abu Zubaydah became “completely unresponsive, with bubbles rising through his open, full mouth.” Zubaydah was described as “hysterical” after these sessions and “distressed to a level that he was unable to effectively communicate.” At one point, Khalid Sheik Mohammad was water-boarded 65 times between the afternoon of March 12, 2003, and the morning of March 13.

13. Water Dousing — Naked detainees were held down on a tarp on the floor, according to the Senate report. The tarp would be pulled up around them to make a bathtub. Cold or refrigerated water would be poured on them. In some cases, detainees were hosed down over and over again as they were naked and shackled, standing in a sleep deprivation pose.

About the Central Intelligence Agency

The CIA (known internally as The Agency) is a civilian foreign intelligence service of the United States federal government. It’s tasked with gathering, processing, and analyzing national security information around the world, primarily using human source intelligence (HUMINT). The CIA also performs covert actions on foreign territory using spies, plants, decoys, and deeply embedded undercover officers.

President Harry Truman formed the CIA in 1946, and it’s now celebrating its seventy-fifth anniversary. Over those years, the CIA had its good and bad moments, one notably being the Bay of Pigs invasion attempt on Cuba which nearly brought down the Kennedy Administration. Another is the handling of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda detainees held and interrogated at black facilities in Europe, Asia, and at the Guantanamo Bay site in Cuba.

Unlike the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the CIA is not a law enforcement agency, The CIA has no powers of arrest or search and seizure. It is autonomous to domestic law enforcement and generally gets an unaccounted reign free from court oversite. The CIA allegedly has a much larger budget than the FBI, but this information is hard to verify.

History of the CIA Enhanced Interrogation Technique Program

Conventional law enforcement agencies and military services like the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines are strictly ruled by tight regulations regarding prisoner treatment, including interrogation tactics. Court admissibility of prisoner statements long established that no evidence is ever admissible where a detainee has been physically or mentally abused, never mind tortured. The armed services are also held to standards like the Geneva Conventions for prisoner-of-war processing. Not so with the CIA.

The Enhanced Interrogation Technique program is an evolutionary product. It started as the US Air Force’s Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape school (SERE) formed in the Vietnam War era to train downed air crews on withstanding enemy interrogation and torture. The SERE school employed two questionable psychologists, Dr. Jim Mitchell and Dr. Bruce Jessen, who developed scenarios and put the service people through simulated situations such as the 13 techniques previously listed.

Agents at the CIA took a close interest in what was happening at SERE. They contracted Drs. Jessen and Mitchell to reverse engineer the defensive SERE techniques into offensive tactics and train CIA operators as detainee interrogators. The Enhanced Interrogation Technique was under development just as the terrorist attacks occurred on September 11, 2001.

Within days after 911, the Bush Administration decided to treat the attacks as an act of war, opposed to a criminal conspiracy. Part of this planning was deciding how to handle detainees —as captured prisoners of war or as criminals to be tried in the American legal system. As police, the FBI, and the armed services were bound by strict prisoner handling regulations, this left them handcuffed in getting critical information out of high-value captures.

The simple and obvious answer was turning the dirty work over to the CIA and having it done on foreign soil. This led to the notorious black camps and the ‘anything goes’ atmosphere in treating and interrogating detainees like Abu Zubaydah, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, and Mohammed al-Qahtani. In the thick of things were Mitchell and Jessen who received millions of CIA dollars in fees for running the program.

Digging into the CIA Enhanced Interrogation Technique program is a deep, deep hole. It’s been investigated by numerous committees and subject to reams of reports before it was shut down on Obama’s second day in office. It’s not our purpose here to analyze right from wrong or effectiveness from ineffectiveness. Rather, the question here is could you withstand the CIA’s techniques that could be described as torture?

Definition of Torture

Merriam-Webster defines torture as:

1: the infliction of intense pain (as from burning, crushing, or wounding) to punish, coerce, or afford sadistic pleasure

2something that causes agony or pain

3: anguish of body or mind; agony

The Geneva Conventions of 1949 had this to say:

Article 3 Absolutely Prohibits torture and other cruel or inhuman treatment and outrages upon individual dignity, in particular humiliating and degrading treatment of prisoners. Violations are serious breaches that constitute war crimes.

The 1984 United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT) expands as follows:

Article 1

For the purposes of this Convention, the term “torture” means any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining from him or a third person information or a confession, punishing him for an act he or a third person has committed or is suspected of having committed, or intimidating or coercing him or a third person, or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind, when such pain or suffering is inflicted by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity. It does not include pain or suffering arising only from inherent in or incidental to lawful sanctions.

Article 2

Each State Party shall take effective legislative, administrative, judicial, or other measures to prevent acts of torture in any territory under its jurisdiction. No exceptional circumstances whatsoever, whether a state of war or a threat of war, internal political instability, or any other public emergency, may be invoked as a justification of torture. An order from a superior officer or a public authority may not be invoked as a justification of torture.

Amendment VIII of the United States Constitution reads:

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines be imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishment be imposed.

These parameters seem very clear to dealing with domestic law breakers and conventional war prisoners. However, examining the CIA’s actions on Taliban and Al-Qaeda detainees finds two loopholes big enough to drive a bus through.

First, the never was a clear declaration of war against these opponents, and it’s rightfully argued that guys like Abu Zubaydah, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, and Mohammed al-Qahtani were not prisoners-of-war nor charged criminally under US or international law—rather “detainees” in a no-man’s legal land.

Second, protection under the US Constitution wouldn’t’ apply as these “detainees” were not American citizens and were (intentionally) detained and interrogated abroad where US laws wouldn’t apply.

What’s done is done, and it’s had to say what good the CIA’s efforts had on getting critical information from high-value targets. Officially, the program is shelved. Unofficially, who knows what’s still going on.

This post’s purpose isn’t to criticize. It’s just to ask, “Could you withstand CIA Enhanced Interrogation Techniques?”

THE MAGIC BULLET IN THE JFK ASSASSINATION

118. Painting Of A NightmareUnited States President John F. Kennedy suffered two gunshot wounds during his assassination in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963. The fatal bullet struck Kennedy in the top of his head and, literally, blew out his brains. Most people have seen frame 313 of the Zapruder Film that shows the president’s head exploding and there’s little dispute in the timing, nor placement, of this shot. The other bullet—the one that got Kennedy in the back, at the base of his neck—is far more controversial.

A1Officially, this bullet is known as Warren Commission Exhibit 399 and was said to strike JFK approximately 4.92 seconds earlier. This bullet allegedly cut clean through his neck, exited below his Adam’s Apple, and carried on to severely wound Texas Governor John Connally who was seated ahead of the President in the limousine. It was later recovered intact on a hospital stretcher in what’s been described as “pristine” condition and became the cornerstone of the Warren Commission’s Single Bullet Theory that postulates one bullet did tremendous damage to two men and came out looking like new.

LHO Backyard 2This “perfect” bullet has been held as proof of conspiracy in the JFK Assassination for over fifty years. To this day, three-quarters of Americans believe it’s impossible for one missile to perform incredible feats of altering trajectory, piercing seventeen layers of clothing, four layers of skin, fifteen inches of flesh, smash a rib and a wrist bone before coming to rest entirely intact in a thigh, then be suspiciously found and conclusively matched to the alleged assassin’s rifle. It had to be planted, conspiracy theorists tell you—set up to frame Lee Harvey Oswald—or else the bullet had to be magic.

But was it? Here’s what the investigation, ballistic design, and forensic science tell us about CE399—the “magic” bullet.

Dealey Plaza

At 12:30 pm the Kennedy motorcade rounded a tight left turn from Houston Street and headed west onto Elm Street in Dealey Plaza, right below the southeast, sixth-floor window of the Texas School Book Depository where Lee Oswald was concealed with his 6.5 X 52 mm Mannlicher-Carcano military surplus rifle.

TSBD Shots

Oswald fired his first shot from a distance of about 77 feet and missed. The best guess is that it hit a traffic light and deflected. Oswald’s second shot was fired approximately 6.57 seconds later from a 21-degree downward angle, at 189 feet, and is purported to have wounded both Kennedy and Connally. Oswald’s third shot was from 265 feet and it killed Kennedy. An estimated 11.49 seconds elapsed from the first trigger pull and allowed Oswald plenty of time to reload the bolt-action rifle twice. Oswald fled, leaving his rifle and three expended cartridges behind.

Parkland Hospital

A3The motorcade rushed to Parkland Hospital, five minutes away. Connally remained conscious and was partly able to stand. He was put onto a stretcher and wheeled into the Emergency Room, then transferred to an operating theater and surgically treated for wounds to his chest, wrist, and thigh. Kennedy was unconscious with a massive head wound, a punctured neck, and in the last gasps of life. He was laid on a different stretcher, taken to another part of the ER where, despite a gallant resuscitation effort, President Kennedy was declared dead at 1:00 pm.

Most of the medical staff who treated JFK observed a tiny hole in his throat that they assumed was a bullet’s entrance wound. The perforation was partly obliterated during an emergency tracheostomy and the president’s body was not rolled to inspect for a back wound.

A2Around 2:00 pm a Parkland hospital worker found an intact bullet between the pad and metal side flange on one of the Kennedy entourage stretchers. The bullet had obviously been fired as it displayed the engraved striations from the lands and grooves of a rifle barrel. Evidence put before the Warren Commission could not positively establish if the bullet was found on Kennedy’s stretcher or Connally’s and the bullet’s chain of custody was not clearly recorded. It passed between at least five people before coming into possession of the FBI firearms examiner who forensically matched it with Oswald’s sixth-floor rifle to “the exclusion of all other firearms”. This bullet weighed 158.60 grains and was entered into the Warren Commission’s evidence as Exhibit 399 and is now stored in the National Archives in Washington.

Kennedy’s Autopsy

President Kennedy’s body was shipped to Bethesda Naval Hospital in Washington where a postmortem exam was performed that evening. As history would come to regret, the examining pathologists were hospitalists and not trained in forensic methods, although one doctor was somewhat experienced with World War II battlefield gunshot wounds.

There were serious errors made in interpreting and recording JFK’s neck/back wound during the autopsy.

JFK Throat Exit

JFK Back WoundThe pathologists failed to notice the throat hole due to the tracheostomy incision and they failed to dissect this wound’s path from rear to front. They were correct in interpreting the defect in Kennedy’s back as a downward entrance wound due to the elliptical shape and the inward fold of the skin as well as the presence of circular bruising known as an abrasion collar. The pathologists attempted to probe the wound path with a metal rod but were blocked by rigor mortis of the scapular muscles. They speculated the bullet may have entered JFK’s back, then stopped and was worked out during the chest compressions during Parkland CPR.

The Bethesda pathologists used two anatomical reference points to record the back wound location—the acromion process which is the tip of the right shoulder and the mastoid process which is the bony protuberance below the right ear. They also anatomically referenced the entrance point to the right of the first thoracic vertebrae which is located at the top of the shoulder at the base of the neck.

A4

The pathologists seemed to overlook that the mastoid and acromion process points are valueless in fixing another anatomical location as both the acromion and mastoid are flexible parts of the body and can be moved with the twist of the head or rotation of the shoulder. To compound the location reference errors, Kennedy’s personal physician mistakenly signed the death certificate with the back wound identified at the third thoracic vertebrae—some three inches lower. This incorrect entrance location made the geometry of the suspected trajectory from the sixth-floor window appear impossible, thereby adding to conspiracy theories.

Kennedy’s Clothing

A5The FBI examined JFK’s suit jacket, his shirt, and his tie. The jacket displayed a defect in the rear which was also ovoid, indicating a downward angle of impact, and the fibers were bent inward. Traces of metallic contamination corroborated that it was a bullet hole. The shirt also showed a similar hole in the back and another in the front of the collar with outwardly pushed fibers. A corresponding nick in the tie knot also supported a back-to-front bullet travel but more confusion arose when the perforation in the suit jacket failed to line up with the hole in the shirt back.

This added more fuel to the conspiracy cover-up theories until years later when a photo was discovered taken moments before the shooting that showed JFK’s jacket being ridden or “bunched-up” his back. Taking this natural tendency for a jacket to rise up while the wearer is in a sitting position, the holes matched perfectly.

Connally’s Surgery

JFK Connally woundsGovernor Connally was treated for three separate injuries. He’d been shot from the rear with a similar caliber bullet as Kennedy with it striking below his right armpit, also in a downward angle but with a more elongated, ovoid entrance hole. This bullet traversed his chest and smashed five inches of his fifth rib before blowing out a two-inch diameter exit hole below his right nipple.

Connally suffered a secondary elongated entrance wound to the back of his right wrist with the bullet smashing through his radius bone and exiting with a nearly round hole. Four fragments of lead weighing 0.59 grains were recovered from the wrist and became Commission Exhibit 842.

The third wound was to Connally’s left thigh. It, too, was round and consistent with a 6.5 mm missile, however this void was shallow and contained only traces of lead too small to recover.

Connally’s Clothing

A8Another mistake in the JFK investigation was a failure to seize Connally’s suit jacket, shirt, undershirt, and pants at the hospital. By the time investigator’s realized their importance, Connally’s staff had them laundered and any trace of forensic gunshot evidence was erased. The holes were still obvious, though, and hadn’t been mended. Noteworthy was the shape of the perforations and the later-known, important fact that the exit hole in the front of Connally’s jacket was in the lapel.

The Warren Commission

The Warren Commission Members

The Warren Commission Members

The Single Bullet Theorythe SBT in JFK Assassination terminology—was crucial to supporting the Commission’s explanation of how Oswald pulled off the shots that first wounded, then killed President Kennedy, and did the collateral damage to Governor Connally. Transcripts of the hearings show the Commissioners struggled more with CE399 as a piece of evidence than anything else and they were not in unanimous agreement that the first shot missed and the second hit both men, although they had no doubt three rounds were fired and the last shot was the fatal impact to the President’s head.

A11So, according to the inquiry headed by the Chief Judge of the United States Supreme Court, it appeared the same bullet that blasted through President John Kennedy did the same to Governor John Connally—then disappeared—somehow to turn up on a random hospital stretcher—perfectly intact and in pristine condition with beautiful rifling marks that conclusively matched to a rifle proven to be owned by Lee Harvey Oswald.

“Bullshit!” say the conspiracy buffs. “CE399’s an obvious fake. Planted to set up a patsy.”

“How could this be?” ask those without tinfoil hats. “To do all that damage and still appear perfect? It seems like magic!”

But the SBT has officially stood the test of time and survived a reinvestigation of the assassination in 1978 as well as a modern computer-animated reconstruction of what went down in Dealey.

Live 6.5 mm Mannlicher-Carcano Cartidge From My Personal Firearms Collection

Live 6.5 X 52 mm Full Metal Jacket Mannlicher-Carcano Cartridge From My Personal Firearm Collection

A13Well, I have to admit that I doubted 399’s authenticity until one day—when I was already an experienced homicide investigator with a court-recognized expertise in the operation and identification of firearms—I was at the Firearms Section of the RCMP’s forensic laboratory and got a “JFK Ballistics 101” lesson from an examiner from the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms. He explained the construction of a 6.5 mm Carcano bullet and how it behaved in the JFK case.

Twenty years later, when I was researching a book on the JFK Assassination, I was further tutored on the Single Bullet Theory ballistics by Larry Sturdivan, a firearms expert who testified before the House Select Committee on Assassinations that revisited the JFK murder in 1978.

Understanding how CE399 behaved scientifically is the key to unlocking the SBT and ultimately leading to the truth in knowing how President Kennedy was murdered.

Bullet Construction

CE399 is a typical 6.5-millimeter diameter, 161 grain, round nosed, full metal jacket, military bullet that was one of four million made by the US Western Cartridge Company in the 1950’s and destined for the Korean war. Thousands were released to the civilian sporting market with many 6.5’s chambered to World War II Italian Mannlicher-Carcano rifles. Oswald bought his rifle through mail order in 1963, complete with a scope, for twenty bucks.

A15Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullets were mandated by the Geneva Conventions at the turn of the nineteenth century as a means of minimizing battlefield casualties. Up to then, mostly lead and partially metal-clad bullets were used that created massive damage to soldiers who were ripped apart by fragmenting projectiles. FMJ bullets were designed to minimize break-up. They were made to remain intact and pass through a body—effectively taking the soldier out of combat and tying up other resources in treating an injury, rather than having grotesque carnage on the battlefield.

A14FMJ bullets are built like an egg with a hard, outer shell composed of copper-zinc and an inner core of lead, usually mixed with zinc, silver, and antimony for hardness. But despite how sturdy bullets are built, they all have a point of fracture known as yield threshold. It’s based on a bullet’s density (hardness), its mass (weight), velocity (speed), and resistance (the medium of force acting against it like air, flesh, or bone).

CE399 was designed to be fired from Oswald’s Carcano at a muzzle velocity of 2,160 feet per second—far under the threshold where air resistance could cause its break-up. With diminishing velocity, the bullet became far less susceptible to the forces of distortion that could make it elastic (bending but recovering shape), plastic (permanently altering shape), or destruct (fragmenting or coming apart).

A17Another factor in bullet design is its gyroscopic stability—the spin set upon it by the lands and grooves of barrel riflings—much like a child’s top or quarterback Tom Brady’s football pass. Once a bullet is in-flight, it’s governed by gravity, the mediums of resistance, and a peculiarity called ballistic coefficient or its ability to overcome medium drag.

The 6.5 mm Carcano bullet has an exceptionally high ballistic coefficient based on its heavy mass (an average of 161 grains) relative to its small diameter. It’s a long, lean missile with an intentionally designed ability to overcome its break-up yield threshold and pass through mediums like air, cloth, skin, muscle tissue, ribs, wrists, and thighs while remaining intact.

Bullet Terms

Knowing about yield threshold and diminishing velocity are not enough to understand how CE399 behaved in the JFK Assassination. Factors like tipping (deflecting from a straight line and altering course), tumbling (going end-over-end), yaw (changing angle in flight), and presentation (going from nose-first to sideways as presented to a point of contact) all came into play in how CE399 ended up in it’s spent condition.

Victim Alignment

A7Much has been made of the “Magic Bullet” having to zig-zag in flight to align with the wounds evident in Kennedy and Connally. The Oliver Stone movie “JFK” was a terrible offender in perpetuating misinformation about how the trajectories were impossible based on the limousine layout.

A6Stone and other conspiracy theorists failed to study the seating arrangements where Connally was not directly in front of JFK, rather he was in a jump seat below and inward of the President. Taking the true picture, the trajectory in the limo accounts perfectly for the properly recorded wounds.

Sniper’s Nest Alignment

Dale Myers is the Emmy-Award winning producer of Secrets Of A Homicide where he developed a computer-generated 3D recreation for the 40th anniversary of the JFK Assassination. Myers took precise measurements of Dealey Plaza and combined them with known photographs and films taken of the murder to recreate exactly what happened.

A19Myers conclusively demonstrated how all the shots came from the sniper’s nest in the Depository, and how the second shot accounted for CE399’s trajectory, diminishing velocity, and how the SBT matches exactly with the frames of the famous 8-millimeter home movie of the assassination taken by Abraham Zapruder.

Zapruder Film

Aside from the ballistic and wound evidence of the Single Bullet Theory, the Zapruder film stands as a timeless witness as to how JFK and Connally were both shot at the same time.

A20Zapruder stood on a concrete pedestal near the nefarious Grassy Knoll and activated his camera once the Kennedy motorcade was well into Dealey Plaza on Elm Street, approaching him. With all due respect to Dale Myers, who thought Zapruder caught evidence of the first missed shot on film, this does not appear to be true and Oswald’s shot that probably hit the traffic light happened before Zapruder started rolling.

But what Zapruder did capture was conclusive evidence of the simultaneous strike that photographically corroborates the SBT.

It’s important to know there are many frames in the “Z” film and that it was shot at 18.3 frames per second. There was no sound. Frame 313 is the most sensational—by far—and it show the third 6.5 mm Carcano FMJ bullet exceeding its yield threshold by fragmenting and blowing pinkish gray matter into the air. In frame 313, the bullet did exactly what it was constructed to do.

223-224 FullBut, backing-up to frames 223—224, there’s a clear picture of one bullet striking two men at the same time.

In Z-223 the limo is seen emerging from behind the Stemmons Freeway sign. Everything’s fine, but Connally seems to be looking over his right shoulder to identify the location of the first gunshot as he said in his Warren Commission testimony.

Z-224 is captured 0.0546 of a second later. Connally’s jacket lapel has “flipped” or bulged as the bullet passes through him and is exposed as a dark image covering over his white shirt, right where the exit wound on his chest was. His right shoulder is clearly forced forward from the bullet’s impact.

By Z-225, the lapel is back to its original shape but Connally’s expression is changing and you can just see the first image of JFK emerging from the sign with his fists and elbows rising. The President had already been shot in the back.

Larry Sturdivan’s Reconstruction

A1There comes a point in any criminal investigation where evidence is put before a jury that requires an expert opinion to interpret it. The Kennedy case is no different. While I have a limited amount of recognized expertise in firearms and ballistics, as well as far more knowledge about John Kennedy’s murder than the vast majority of people, I’m going to defer to Larry Sturdivan who truly knows what he’s speaking of.

This paraphrases Larry’s explanation for how CE399 acted.

“Oswald fired his second shot—a 161 grain, 6.5 mm, FMJ Carcano bullet—when the limo was moving directly away from his sight picture at a combined downward incline of over 21 degrees.
The bullet discharged at 2160 fps and traveled 189 feet through the air, losing 135 fps and hitting Kennedy’s suit coat at 2015 fps—staying intact. It entered the soft mediums of cloth and flesh well below the 2400 fps velocity these mediums would need to break the bullet into pieces. Inside Kennedy’s neck, the bullet’s force created a pressure vacuum called a “temporary cavity” which altered its flight course by about 5 degrees upward.
The intact and unaltered bullet cut through the front of Kennedy’s neck, stretching the skin and—shored by the collar and tie—returned to appear as a tiny hole, much smaller than its 6.5 mm diameter. It now slowed to around 1840 fps and was beginning to tumble, altering its nose from a direct gyroscopic flight path to a sideways presentation.
The bullet hit Connally’s armpit in a 70-degree yaw and left the elongated hole in his clothes and skin. Now moving at 1450 fps, right below the yield threshold of being broken by bone, the bullet presented itself sideways to his rib and permanently deformed into a plastic state, neither pristine nor fragmented, but the bent and crushed base you see in CE399’s photos.
It blew out below Connally’s right nipple in a near backward position and entered his right wrist at + or – 500 fps with enough energy left to fracture the radius bone and deposit some lead fragments from the bullet’s open base. It was like squeezing toothpaste from a tube.
With almost no energy remaining—still near full weight and going only 135 fps—it cut the Governor’s pants and pushed a bit into his left thigh. No wonder it fell out, intact.”

A21By now you might buy into the Single Bullet Theory and that CE399 was capable of performing the “magical” feats it’s accused of. But I know you’re asking “How do you prove 399—reportedly found on whatever stretcher at Parkland—was the same bullet Oswald fired and did the damage?” The proof is in 399’s molecular composition and what it left behind in John Connally’s wrist.

Neutron Activation Analysis

A22NAA is the DNA of the JFK investigation. Unfortunately, DNA was unheard of in 1963 when the stretcher bullet was found. Despite 399’s multi-handling, today’s DNA sophistication would likely be able to identify Kennedy and Connally genetics on this little missile if it, in fact, passed through both. That would be the end of it—the Single Bullet Theory would be a fact and we could all go home.

But wait—genetics isn’t the only molecular forensic science available and there’s a lot of proof about CE399’s validity that turned up in the molecules of metallurgy.

In 1964, the FBI turned to a then-new science of non-destructive testing called Neutron Activation Analysis where they took the stretcher bullet,CE399, and Connally’s CE842 wrist fragments, and did a chemical signature much the same as today’s DNA analysis checks for biological signatures.

It was inconclusive.

But by 1978, NAA science had advanced and the bullet evidence was re-evaluated in the HSCA investigation of the JFK Assassination. The chemical ratio of antimony in CE399’s lead core was found to be so consistent with the antimony in Connally’s wrist fragments that the statistical probability of them coming from two different sources is virtually impossible.

In my opinion, the Single Bullet Theory is the single bullet fact and if CE399 behaved in any other way than in what it was designed to do—then it really would be a magic bullet.

*   *   *

Here are links to credible sites with information on the Single Bullet Theory:

Dale Myers – Secrets Of A Homicide Computerized Reconstruction Website Click Here

Dale Myers – Reconstruction Video  Click Here

Zapruder Film – Enhanced & Stabilized  Click Here

Warren Report – Chapter Three – Shots From The Texas School Book Depository  Click Here