[Sample B: Approval/Signature Sheet] - George Mason University

Founding Fathers must be smiling” because of talk radio’s role in upholding “the Bill of
Rights.” 590
Celebrities also contributed their voice to the cause of finding the truth behind the
assassination. In Plausible Denial, Lane mentioned the role of African-American
comedian and activist Dick Gregory for helping publicize evidence of conspiracy and
pressing for the establishment of the House Select Committee on Assassinations. For his
part, Jim Garrison hailed the role of satirist Mort Sahl in helping his investigation and
playing a key role in having the DA appear on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.
As mentioned earlier, Sahl included information about Kerry Thornley’s alleged role in
the assassination in his comedy routines. Garrison said his chance to appear on the
Carson show arose “unexpectedly through the efforts of Mort Sahl,” who he said “was
spending an extended period of time in New Orleans helping the office in a variety of
ways.” While appearing on the Tonight Show, Sahl began discussing with Carson the
Kennedy assassination. “Suddenly,” according to Garrison, “Sahl turned toward the
audience and asked if they did not think Carson show invite me to be a guest on the show
so that I could explain my side of the case.” 591 The audience responded positively, and
Garrison went on to appear on the show – a scene was recreated on the extended video
and DVD version of Oliver Stone’s JFK. Carson sharply questioned Garrison, who
590 Lane, v.
591 Garrison, 241-242.
259