If your first reaction to the news that the National Rifle Association was appointing Oliver North as its president was “wait…THAT Oliver North?” you’re not alone.
Choosing a man infamous for being at the heart of an embarrassing 1980s political scandal to head up an organization that prides itself on affirming and protecting American values seems a little odd. But in a way, it’s quite fitting with the current direction of the NRA, which likes to position itself as a renegade.
If you’re not familiar with Oliver North’s colorful and checkered past, he served with the Marine Corps in Vietnam and later on the National Security Council in Washington, DC, retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel. It was his time on the NSC that earned him his infamy: He was involved in a labyrinthine scheme that involved using intermediaries to sell weapons to Iran (then as now, the U.S. and Iran were not on friendly terms), and funneling the funds to the Contras in Nicaragua, circumventing a ban on funding the Contras.
The Iran-Contra scandal[1] was a national embarrassment, forcing President Ronald Reagan to dismiss Oliver North when the incident became public. It spoke to concerns among many Americans about the military’s involvement in Latin America, with some critics feeling that it was inappropriate to get involved in other nations’ military conflicts. The incident also sparked discussion about how much latitude presidents should have when giving orders.
While North was tried and convicted for obstructing Congress, destroying evidence, and “accepting illegal gratuities,” the sentences were later vacated[2] due to irregularities with the witnesses. After a failed political career, North settled into a life of writing books and serving as a political commentator until the NRA came knocking; he’s
