New York, NY, May 15, 1995...The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) commended former President George Bush for his resignation from the National Rifle Association (NRA) because of vicious attacks on Federal officials in an NRA mailing. The League had protested the mailing's rhetoric more than two weeks ago, calling it "disturbing" and "beyond the mainstream by any definition."

In a letter to President Bush, ADL National Director Abraham H. Foxman wrote, "All of us who work for a strong, healthy and tolerant democracy are thankful to you for setting an example of leadership against this rhetoric that undermines a civil society."

On April 27th, the League wrote NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre about the mailing, citing such statements as "jack-booted government thugs" and Federal agents wearing "nazi bucket helmets and black storm trooper uniforms." Foxman told him the rhetoric was "uncalled for" and "dangerous."

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.