McCain linked to private group in Iran-Contra case (AP - Yahoo Front Page)

[jefferson_dem]

McCain linked to private group in Iran-Contra case
By PETE YOST, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - GOP presidential nominee John McCain has past connections to a private group that supplied aid to guerrillas seeking to overthrow the leftist government of Nicaragua in the Iran-Contra affair.


McCain's ties are facing renewed scrutiny after his campaign criticized Barack Obama for his link to a former radical who engaged in violent acts 40 years ago.

The U.S. Council for World Freedom was part of an international organization linked to former Nazi collaborators and ultra-right-wing death squads in Central America. The group was dedicated to stamping out communism around the globe.

The council's founder, retired Army Maj. Gen. John Singlaub, said McCain became associated with the organization in the early 1980s as McCain was launching his political career in Arizona. Singlaub said McCain was a supporter but not an active member in the group.

"McCain was a new guy on the block learning the ropes," Singlaub told The Associated Press in an interview. "I think I met him in the Washington area when he was just a new congressman. We had McCain on the board to make him feel like he wasn't left out. It looks good to have names on a letterhead who are well-known and appreciated.

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http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081007/ap_on_el_pr/mccain_iran_contra

[Frustratedlady]

1. Is this the group where he grabbed a guy and pulled him up out of his chair?

There was mention of some group he was in during that time, which was posted in another article about his temper.

[Hope And Change]

2. K & R!

[nc4bo]

3. ..and this is why I don't understand why Mccain went negative. He has many skeletons in his closet

and he risks having any one (or several) exposed.

Dumb move asshat.

[FrenchieCat]

4. At least this is AP.

Rate that up at the link!

That's where I'm going.

[Aloha Spirit]

9. I just rated it, thanks for suggestion.

[WillyT]

5. K & R !!!

:kick:

[OneGrassRoot]

6. Just that title alone PLAYS to their base...

they LOVE Ollie North.

Not sure how independents/undecided voters would feel; it probably depends on their age.

[maseman]

8. Yes they like Ollie North

but that is when we were friends with Iran. Now Iran is a toxic word and the right wants to nuke them.

[Democat]

12. Exactly, Obama should play the "Selling arms to Iran" card with McCain!

That sounds a lot like treason! McCain's friends supported selling arms to our enemy, Iran!

[Aloha Spirit]

7. Thank you Paul Begala.

[pleah]

10. K&R

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

11. McCain supported terrorists. Recommended and please vote up at yahoo.com.

[Wilms]

13. k&r n/t