April 25, 1995 Tensions increase over Oklahoma City explosion

April 25, 1995
Tensions increase over Oklahoma City explosion

This afternoon, a fax began circulating that is indicative of the tensions being created by the rapid exchange of information some valid and some not, about what really occurred in Oklahoma City. Compounding this misinformation crisis, is the 'picking of sides', primarily generated by Bill Clinton's now famous attack on "purveyors of hatred and division", which was taken by most to include not only the "things that are said over the airways", but, even those who listen or participate in these exchanges of free expression.

Wondering whether the fax was true, or an attempt at emulating a BATF notice, I contacted the BATF office in Washington, D.C. Jack Killorin, public information office, confirmed the fact that the BATF had, indeed, sent the notice to ALL law enforcement agencies around the country. The pertinent parts are quoted:

REQUEST NATIONAL BROADCAST
FM: BUREAU OF ALCOHOL TOBACCO AND FIREARMS, WASHINGTON DC
TO: ALL FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
SUBJ: WARNING TO ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL:
ATF INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION SUGGESTS THAT THE OKLAHOMA CITY BOMBING
MAY HAVE HEIGHTENED PARANOIA LEVELS AMONG VARIOUS MILITIA GROUPS
ACROSS THE UNITED STATES.
INFORMATION SUGGESTS THAT THIS BOMBING MAY BE SEEN AS A "STAGED
TERRORIST ATTACK" BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS PART OF AN OVERALL PLAN
TO DECLARE MARITAL[sic] LAW AND SUSPEND THE CONSTITUTION. IN ADDITION,
MANY OF THESE MEMBERS FEEL THAT AN ATTACK ON THEM IS IMMINENT AND HAVE
ALREADY GONE INTO ALERT STATUS. THESE GROUPS HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO
MOBILIZE AND ARM THEMSELVES FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBSTRUCTING LAW
ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST OTHER MILITIA MEMBERS. DUE TO THIS, ALL LAW
ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL ARE WARNED TO TAKE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN
CONTACTING ANY KNOW MILITIA MEMBERS OF AFFILIATES.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS WARNING, OR TO PROVIDE ANY
FURTHER INTELLIGENCE REGARDING THE CONTENT OF THIS MESSAGE. PLEASE
CONTACT THE ATF ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS CENTER AT 1-800-659-6242 OR
RESPOND VIA NLETS

Killorin indicated the absurdity of the idea that the federal government might have "bombed itself", and confirmed that there is a high degree of concern over the reaction of the militia to these events. It would appear that sides are being taken and confrontation contemplated, not as an initiative, rather as a response to the actions of the other side.

Is it possible that the events of April 19, 1995 may bear on our history as much as the events of April 19, 1775? The potential is there and the question is, can there be moderation? Considering the immature actions demonstrated by Bill Clinton, I would suggest that so long as he continues to breed division, hatred, and his typical pompousness, there is little chance for a change in what appears might be a dangerous course.

Potentially, the passage of pending legislation will serve more to wedge both sides further apart. Gingrich, Spector, and others have suggested that HR 896, The Omnibus Counterterrorism Act of 1995, and HR 1488, which is the bill we were led to believe would remove the "assault weapon ban" provision of the Crime Control Act of 1994, are necessary, due to the recent events in Oklahoma.

HR 896 would allow the President to make extra-constitutional determination in any case or situation which appeared to involve terrorism, whether international, or not. Republicans have, recently, expressed support, for this bill. Their "Contract With America" appears to be more aptly described as a "Contract ON America", and it's Constitution. The likelihood of passage is at an all time high.

On the other hand, HR 1488, at first and casual glance, appears to be a step in the right direction.. It would repeal the "assault weapon ban", which would be a single small step back toward the Constitution, amidst the larger leaps away therefrom, that we have become used to. Unfortunately, the silk lining is undermined by the hidden provisions of Section 3, of the bill. This provision would "federalize" any crime involving possession of a firearm. This might, eventually, lead to the federal government, through our friends at BATF, enforcing even local ordinances that prohibit the discharge of weapons within city limits. It would probably ultimately require a BATF office in every city and town in the nation. The manifestation of police state may be just a few votes away.

A final note: Outpost of Freedom will continue to provide information and thoughts on what occurred in Oklahoma City. As always, information will be verified before it is submitted to you, the reader. The costs of this effort, from the phone calls for research purposes, to the cost of dissemination via fax networking, is born by the Outpost of Freedom. There are no affiliations which would bind OPF to any faction, party, organization or ideology. For this reason, OPF must depend on you to see your way to enclose a donation to OPF at the address above. The information on Oklahoma City will be sent out, whatever the cost. The continuation of the effort is now dependent upon your generosity.

Thank You,

/s/ Gary Hunt

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