Updates
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NRA: bombs away
When NRA lobbying chief Tanya Metaksa was reported to have met Michigan Militia leaders prior to the Oklahoma blast, and that her computer bulletin board posts a bomb recipe, it might have been shocking, but not surprising. NRA officials have a history of making news:1972: NRA official Harlon Carter argues against a ban on Saturday Night Specials, saying their small size is ideal for children.
1984: Lobbyist Warren Cassidy testifies to Congress against a ban on armor-piercing, "cop-killer" bullets.
1988: A Colorado jury orders board member Robert K. Brown's Soldier of Fortune to pay $9.4 million after a killer advertised his services in the magazine's classifieds (the case was later overturned).
1991: Board member Jeff Cooper offers his views on urban violence: "[No] more than 5 to 10 people in 100 who die by gunfire in Los Angeles are any loss to society."
--Josh Sugarmann
Don't forget about MoJo's first-ever music compilation, featuring Midwestern rockers Seam, the Mekons, and Freakwater. The CD helps fund our coverage of violence issues and the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence's outreach program. To order, send $14 to "You Are What You Shoot," 731 Market St., Suite 600, San Francisco, CA 94103
Inslaw's break
Inslaw Inc. got its best news in a decade when Congress revived its battle with the DOJ--who allegedly stole Inslaw software for intelligence operations. As we've reported since 1992, Inslaw has faced one hurdle after another since it won a $7 million judgment in 1987, then lost it on a technicality. Now, Inslaw awaits a date in the Court of Federal Claims--for Inslaw the court of last resort.
--Mary Fricker