NRA: Backing up facts

Doug Hayden said I was devoid of facts and challenged me to provide some (Coeur d’Alene Press, Oct. 4). Here they are.

Russia infiltrated the National Rifle Association to discredit legitimate news sources and sow discord across America. Evidence shows interactions between the NRA and Alexander Torshin, described as a “Russian Mafia Godfather,” go back to 2011.

More recently, Torshin’s Russian operative, Maria Butina, was arrested and convicted of being a spy. She infiltrated the NRA to meet and influence elected officials and Trump’s own family. Evidence from 2015 and 2016 show meetings between Trump campaign officials and Russian spies at NRA conventions. In sworn testimony this year, U.S. Intelligence officials told Congress “Russians have infiltrated the NRA.”

Torshin and Butina bragged about lavishing gifts on NRA officers. As a 501(c) organization, the NRA is not required to disclose its donors, but has not denied taking money from Russia. The NRA spent $30 million to get Trump elected president. Right-wing organizations are known to obscure campaign donations by running money through the NRA. It is illegal for foreign operatives to do so.

John Lott’s book, “More Guns, Less Crime,” has been widely discredited and his theory has been debunked many times since its publication. Google “Lott’s theory discredited,” for the facts.

And lest you think I’m a screaming anti-gun liberal, here are four more facts. I’m a lifelong Republican, hunter, competitive shooter and ex-NRA member. I quit the NRA years ago when it became overrun by radicals.

PAUL OMAN

Moscow