The following forwarded message has been edited for paragraph formatting. For more information on the Viper case, including this and other reports see http://constitution.org/mil/az/viper.htm --Jon Roland ----------------[ Distributed Message ]---------------- ListServer: liberty (BRASSROOTS Liberty Watch Listserver) Type: Not Moderated Distributed on: 15-JUL-96, 00:50:50 Original Written by: IN:pmurphy@rtd.com. ------------------------------------------------------- This statement came from the man who, speaking before a FACT meeting in mid-1994, said that there was no reason to further investigate the Branch Davidian incident as it had already been thoroughly investigated to his satisfaction. This was the same meeting where Jimbo stated to a group of over 100 attending that he "would never vote for any bill which contained any anti-gun provisions because he believes that the Fed doesn't have the power to regulate guns because that would clearly violate the language and intent of the Second Amendment." Uh huh, right. I wish this lying dipshit would give us the courtesy of a reach-around while he's blowing right-wing smoke up our already sore political ass. Phil Murphy, President Brassroots, Inc. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Thats right, Congressman Kolbe defends the Vipers from rabid justice officials and press. Read it hear. Read it now. Oh Wow. :-> 3 52260 Jul13 14:31 Congressman Critical of Government in Viper Militia Case azaz- Stream AZ-Kolbe-Vipers, Bjt,490 By WILLIAM F. RAWSON Associated Press Writer TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - Rep. Jim Kolbe, R-Ariz., criticized U.S. Attorney Janet Napolitano and the Justice Department on Saturday for their handling of the arrests of 12 members of a Phoenix-area militia group. Kolbe said the news media were manipulated by Napolitano and other Justice Department officials who reported that Viper Militia members had plotted to blow up government buildings. "The implications were clear, this was a major terrorist plot," Kolbe told members of the Arizona Associated Press Managing Editors Association. But during court hearings last week, it became clear there was no evidence of such a plot. "We were had," Kolbe said. The Viper Militia members were charged July 1 with conspiracy to make and possess unregistered explosive devices. They have not been charged with plotting to blow up government buildings, but investigators seized a videotape they say shows members discussing how to do so. Kolbe said it is obvious the news media were manipulated by the Justice Department for political reasons. He did not elaborate on what political gain there might have been for overblowing the case. Kolbe said he wasn't trying to excuse the actions of the militia members and that their arrests on federal weapons and other charges obviously were warranted. But he said the government in overstating its case against the group was guilty of the same abuse of power federal authorities were accused of in deadly standoffs at Waco, Texas, and Ruby Ridge, Idaho. At the same time, Kolbe said the Justice Department has been evenhanded it its handling of criminal charges against Republican Gov. Fife Symington. He said the Symington case, while having political implications, does not appear to have been politically motivated. Kolbe, who was the first member of Arizona's congressional delegation to publicly urge former Gov. Evan Mecham to resign after Mecham was indicted in 1987, said it is premature to call for Symington's resignation. Symington was indicted June 13 after a seven-year investigation of his financial dealings and the collapse of his once-extensive real estate empire. He has pleaded innocent to 23 felony counts. Kolbe said as long as Symington is able to mount a defense and function as governor, he should stay in office. But should Symington be convicted or defending himself take so much of his time that he is no longer able to govern, then he should consider stepping down, he said. The difference between Symington and Mecham is that Arizona was in a state of chaos during the Mecham indictment and impeachment and that is not the case today, Kolbe said. "The accused are entitled to their presumption of innocence," he said. "The burden of proof is on the federal government." Mecham, also a Republican, was impeached and removed from office in 1988, but was acquitted of criminal charges in a subsequent trial. -- "Zathras is used to being beast of burden to other people's needs... Very sad life. Probably have very sad death. But, at least there is symmetry." --- Tim Choate's long-suffering alien character from Babylon 5, reciting the official Brassroots' "Activist's Oath of Loyalty and Devotion." ============================================================================== To subscribe: send a message to the list liberty@hollyent.com with the word SUBSCRIBE in the subject field. Use UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject field to remove yourself from the list. ============================================================================== via: Sportsman's Paradise 602-922-1639 - Telnet:hollyent.com - www.hollyent.com