In a message to supporters, Jack Weigand, owner of Pennsylvania-based Weigand Combat Handguns Inc., claimed today that Dell Computer is "connected" to Handgun Control Inc., a lobbying group that changed its name to The Brady Campaign last June.

Representatives of Dell Computer and the Brady Campaign refuted the statement.

Weigand touched off a firestorm Tuesday when he posted a notice at his site and in several gun forums, describing how Dell initially canceled his order for an Inspiron notebook computer earlier this month after his company's name triggered an automated order screening system put in place by Dell following the Sept. 11 attacks on America.

In a statement released Wednesday, Chairman Michael Dell confirmed that the computer maker does "carefully review customer orders for prohibited destinations and activities" and red-flagged Weigand's order because of the word "combat" in his company name.

But, according to Dell, the computer company made a mistake in its handling of the cancellation of Weigand's purchase.

Although Dell has offered to ship him the computer at no charge, Weigand said he refused.

"I know every gun owner in America will appreciate my not accepting the computer I was offered," said Weigand in the message, noting that Dell is listed as a merchant at a Web site entitled the Handgun Control, Inc. Online Shopping Mall.

"This is a handgun control support site. Please come to your own conclusions," said Weigand.

According to a banner at the HCI online shopping mall, clicking links in a directory of dozens of online retailers and making purchases there raises money for the gun control organization.

Dell spokesperson Cathie Hargett said the computer company was not aware of the HCI online mall, but she confirmed that the company participates in a number of online affiliate programs "on both sides of issues."

According to Hargett, Dell "has not taken a position on the issue of gun control. Not in our sponsorships, not in our giving, and not in our public policy."

A spokesperson for The Brady Campaign told Newsbytes today that the organization did not authorize the creation of the HCI online mall, nor has the lobbying group ever received any funds from the site.

According to Amy Stilwell, communications director, the Brady Campaign has also never received donations directly from Dell Computer or Michael Dell.

The site hosting the HCI mall, Progressivefunds.com, "hosts online virtual shopping malls on behalf of affiliating organizations" according to its terms and conditions page. The site is registered to David Cole of Hallsville, Texas, according to domain records. Cole was not immediately available for comment.

Rather than put the dispute with Weigand to rest, Dell's apology for the order snafu has raised the hackles of some civil libertarians.

"Michael Dell's statement is a more grievous attack on civil liberties than the original it tries to apologize for," said John Young, operator of a freedom-of-information site known as Cryptome.org, in a posting to an Internet mailing list today.

According to Young, it's inappropriate for a company to screen domestic customers in the way Dell has admitted doing "unless the company has made those considerations publicly known, and law substantiates the restrictions.

"Patriotism and information warfare are insufficient reasons," said Young.

According to Weigand, he has been asked to appear on "quite a few" talk radio programs today as a result of the run-in with Dell.

"I am receiving (an) overwhelming positive response from my family, the firearms community ... I thank each and everyone who has responded to this issue and taking the time to care about our 2nd Amendment rights," said Weigand.

The Handgun Control, Inc. Online Shopping Mall is at http://www.progressivefunds.com/hci Don't even think of buying anything from those links...
BUT you can click on this link to buy a DELL and give a cut to WMSA!  Again, make sure the person responsible for the FUBAR on the Jack Weigand order has been terminated before you confirm any order.

Weigand's site is http://www.jackweigand.com .

Reported by Newsbytes, http://www.newsbytes.com .

13:46 CST
Reposted 14:40 CST