/* Written 8:03 AM Mar 12, 1995 by dyurman in igc:western.lands */
/* ---------- "Civil War Predicted in Idaho" ---------- */
TOPIC: Idaho Militia Moves From Serious to Dangerous
Idaho Militia Leader Predicts Civil War in the West
Dateline Boise, Idaho -- (3/12/95) According to a report by the
Associated Press (AP), printed in today's edition of the Idaho Falls
Post Register, the leader of the Idaho U.S. Militia Association (USMA)
says civil war could be coming and with it the possibility that some
Idaho legislators might be shot.
Samuel Sherwood, leader of the Blackfoot, ID, based organization, told
the AP on Friday 3/10/95 some Idaho lawmakers may betray Idaho and cling
to Washington, DC, hence the need to shoot them, he said. "Go up and
look legislators in the face, because some day you may have to blow it
off," Sherwood said. Sherwood added that history frequently shows
politicians pick the wrong side in a revolution and today's politicians
are no different.
Sherwood confirmed to the Associated Press that he made the statements
on March 2, 1995, after leaving a meeting with Idaho Lt. Governor Butch
Otter, and again on Friday March 10, 1995. Sherwood's statements moves
the militia from being a anti-gun control issue group into being a
dangerous threat to the lives of elected officials. Reaction from Idaho
elected officials was swift.
Idaho Governor Phil Batt, Lt. Governor Butch Otter, and State Attorney
General Alan Lance condemned Sherwood's remarks. Through a
spokesperson, Governor Batt said he would not support anyone who
condones violence. However, Anne Fox, State Superintendent of Public
Instruction, declined to comment. Last month Sherwood claimed that
1,000 of his USMA members USMA manned phones banks and worked vigorously
to assure her election. The AP reported that Fox declined to publicly
question her association with the USMA.
Two elected officials possibly in Sherwood's sights leapt to respond to
his threats. State Legislator Wendy Jaquet of Ketchum, ID, called
Sherwood's statement, "extremism at its worst." State Senator Ron Beck
of Boise also issued a statement condemning the remark. Both labeled
Sherwood's remarks "frightening and uncivilized."
Sherwood was not deterred by the criticism. He told the AP the media is
responsible for focusing on inflammatory matters. "The press had better
stop trying to fan the fears of people's fear and a paranoia," he said,
warning it could lead to confrontation or "self-immolation."
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