The Nation - News from May 29, 1988

Oliver L. North, retired from his Marine commission, made his debut on the paid public speaking circuit before an enthusiastic group of about 1,900 at the Pennsylvania Fair in Bensalem. “It’s nice to be invited somewhere without a subpoena,” joked North, who emerged as a public figure during the congressional hearings on the Iran-Contra scandal. North spoke for about 40 minutes on “Commitment, Trust and Family.” He blasted federal welfare programs and urged a stronger U.S. defense. North’s speech was free to fair visitors, but they had to pay $5 to enter the fairgrounds. North reportedly was paid about $20,000. His only other speaking appearance has been an invitation-only commencement address at Jerry Falwell’s Liberty Baptist College in Lynchburg, Va.