NRA-ILA FAX NETWORK
11250 Waples Mill Road * Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: 1-800-392-8683 * Fax: 703-267-3918
Vol. 2, No. 37 8/18/95
GOVERNMENT TO PAY WEAVER FAMILY $3.1 MILLION
Just a couple of years after the U.S. Government sought the death
penalty for Randy Weaver, on August 15, the U.S. Department of Justice
agreed to pay Weaver and his family $3.1 million for the government's
actions in the 1992 Ruby Ridge raid. Under the settlement, Weaver's
three children will each receive $1 million, and Weaver himself will
be compensated $100,000. Despite this financial settlement, the
government still will not admit any wrongdoing or legal liability in
the 1992 standoff that led to the death of Weaver's wife and son. The
settlement is just the latest twist in the three-year saga. Last
week, four senior FBI officials were suspended due to their
involvement in the Idaho raid itself, and/or their actions in the
subsequent government investigation into the case. An August 15
Washington Post article used words such as "coverup" and destruction
of evidence in its discussion of the events now surrounding the
Justice Department's handling of the Weaver case.
As the Senate's September 6 hearings into the Ruby Ridge siege
rapidly approach, it appears that the plot continues to thicken. Thus
far, American taxpayers have footed the seven figure cost of the
botched 1992 raid, and they must now fork over an additional $3.1
million to compensate Weaver's family for an act which the government
continues to maintain it was not responsible. Currently the U.S.
Attorney's Office is contemplating launching a full-scale criminal
investigation into perjury, obstruction of justice and other
allegations. These latest developments are consistent with a pattern
of abuse and poor judgement not by the rank and file agents, but by
many of the top leaders of our nation's federal law enforcement
community. The Justice Department's financial settlement without
prosecution is a sign that leadership is still dodging responsibility.
We'll keep you posted.
BYE-BYE BRADLEY: On August 17, vehemently anti-gun Senator Bill
Bradley (D-N.J.) made it official -- he will not seek re- election in
1996. Bradley becomes the seventh sitting U.S. Senator to call it
quits next year, joining fellow Senators Exon (D-Neb.), Heflin
(D-Ala.), Johnston (D-La.), Pryor (D-Ark.), Simon (D-Ill.), and Brown
(R-Col.). During his tenure in the U.S. Senate, Bradley lent his name
to many anti-gun bills, including pending legislation that calls for
ammunition bans and licensing and registration schemes. During recent
media interviews where he discussed his decision to retire, Bradley
has been somewhat coy about his future political plans, arousing
speculation that he may make an independent run for President in 1996.
Always interesting -- stay tuned!
OFF-YEAR ELECTIONS CRITICAL FOR GUN OWNERS: The November, 1995
state elections in Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey and
Virginia are right around the corner! Don't miss this opportunity to
play a key role in the political process -- REGISTER TO VOTE -- AND
THEN VOTE! Unless you're registered to vote by early October, you
will not be eligible to vote in the 1995 elections. Also, if you
haven't voted in recent elections, you may no longer be registered.
To find out how you can register to vote in your state, call NRA-ILA
at 1-800-392-8683.
SEATS STILL AVAILABLE FOR GRASSROOTS SEMINAR: Although space is
filling up fast, there are still seats available for NRA-ILA's free
Grassroots/Elections Seminar scheduled for August 26 in Lexington,
Kentucky. NRA-ILA Volunteers won't want to miss this opportunity to
meet Lt. Governor and Gubernatorial candidate Paul Patton (D) and
State Rep. Bob Damron (D), sponsor of the right to carry bill. For
more information, or to register, please call the NRA-ILA Grassroots
Division at 1-800-392-8683.
REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM: On Friday, August 25, from 2:00 - 5:00
p.m., NRA will conduct a special "Refuse To Be A Victim" seminar at
our headquarters building in Fairfax, Va. This innovative program
provides women with options to develop their own personal safety
strategies, and covers topics such as home, phone and automobile
security. The cost of the seminar is $20. For more information, or
to pre-register for the seminar, please call 1-800-861-1166.
NRA'S NEW EDUCATION LOAN PROGRAM: NRA is pleased to announce its
Education and Loan Program. Offered exclusively to current NRA
members, this new benefit provides financing of up to $25,000 annually
for undergraduate, graduate and professional students. You or any
member of your family is eligible to borrow from $1,500 to $25,000
each year up to $100,000. All it takes to pre-qualify for an NRA
Education Loan is a 15-minute phone call! Your application will be
processed in only 48 hours, and you pay no application fee. Loans can
be repaid over 15 years or you may prepay early without any penalty.
For more information, call 800-659-6771 ext. 630.
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Information may also be obtained by connecting directly to the
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