Randy Weaver Moves to Montana:

. . . . Returning to his racist roots?

After being released from prison in December 1993, Randy Weaver appeared to want nothing more than to return to his home in Iowa and to be left alone. But Weaver seems now to be on the move. He has returned to the mountains, this time in Montana, and he has again begun to involve himself in right-wing causes.

Weaver bought property in the Lost Prairie area between Bitterroot McGregor Lakes, 30 miles southwest of Kalispell. He has moved there with his three daughters. The deed to the property is recorded under the name of his oldest daughter, Sara (20). Each of Weaver's three daughters received $1 million in a settlement with the Federal Government. Weaver received $100,000.

Weaver also appears to be moving to renew his ties with the racist movement. In April he was a featured speaker at the Jubilation Conference. This conference is held every year and is sponsored by, Jubilee the largest Christian Identity newspaper in the country. Christian Identity is a racist theology which holds that white people are God's chosen and Jews are Satan's spawn.

One of the Montana correspondents for Jubilee is Chrism Temple. Temple and militia leader John Trochmann were among the founders of a now defunct group called United Citizens for Justice (UCJ). UCJ formed as a support group for Weaver and his family during their confrontation with federal law enforcement agencies. Temple now lives in Kila, just down the road from Weaver's property.

In April Weaver traveled to Jordan with far right activist Bo Gritz and Jack McLamb. Weaver said he wanted to help- bring the standoff to an end. FBI officials on the scene refused to let Weaver meet with the freemen. After hanging around for a few days watching Bo Gritz tap dance for the media, Weaver returned to the Kalispell area.

The few public comments Weaver has made since the confrontation at Ruby Ridge have seemed to indicate an understanding that his beliefs and associations with the far right lead him to personal tragedy. It is surprising, and some what disappointing, to see him returning to the movement which caused him such loss.