NORTH ADVOCATES LESS INTRUSIVE GOVERNMENT

Retired Lt. Col. Oliver North told a crowd of 826 people that Americans deserve better than what their government has given them in his lifetime.

North, a 51-year-old former Marine, spoke Wednesday night at the Show Me Center. He talked for about 30 minutes and then opened the floor to questions for a half hour.

His visit was sponsored by the College Republicans at Southeast Missouri State University and local radio station KZIM.

North gained national attention during the Iran-contra hearings conducted by Congress in 1987. Congress questioned North about his involvement in diverting funds from arms sales to Iran to the Nicaraguan contras.

"We need a change in the relationship between the governed and the government," North said. "We the people can hold these people we elect to public office accountable."

North made no secret of his embrace of the conservative agenda and support of the Republican Party. The speech he delivered Wednesday night was a reflection of his two best-selling books and possibly a prelude to the radio talk show he begins hosting in March.

Simpler, less intrusive government ... that's what I support," said North.

North, who lost a U.S. Senate campaign in Virginia in November, attacked special-interest groups that seek federal funding. He said Americans shouldn't be forced to support organizations that turn around and work against the people. He used a tax-supported senior citizens' group that campaigned against him in the Virginia race as an example.

"I find it astonishing that I contribute to an organization that campaigned against me," he said.

North also talked about his political future during the question-answer session.

He said that after his daughter, a freshman in high school, graduates he again might seek political office. North said he could wait four more years.

"Our strength has never been the power of our government," he said, "but the perseverance of our people."