Friday, December 4, 1998

Help not for free

There are numerous organizations that really help people who need a place to live, food for their family and even medical help. One such organization is Habitat for Humanity. Through them, many people have realized their dream of acquiring a home, and I am grateful on their behalf.

Recently a very nice, deserving lady and her family were the recipients of a house. They are working on getting the down payment to move in. Her children have come home in tears because someone has the false notion that they are a charity case.

Those uninformed people who discuss such things before their children need to be educated about the functions and benefits before spouting off about things they have not researched. Our children repeat what they hear us say. Words can hurt and leave a lasting impression. So we would all do well to know about what we speak.

My friend was not given anything. Habitat has just made it possible for my friend to get a house. This house is not a free gift. She will pay just as we all do.

This is the season of thanksgiving, and I know there are people hurting for one reason or another. If we stop to evaluate our lives, there are some blessings we have to be grateful for that we hadn't thought about. I have good friends, love of God and family, freedom, and I live in a society that has organizations like the Habitat for Humanity.

LUBERTA JACKSON

Abilene

Registration list

It was interesting to see the reaction to the NICS. The phone lines clogged, and it caused delays it was suppose to eliminate.

But here are a few more facts about the NICS and its problems. First, the FBI stated it was not going to maintain records of the approvals after the approval, commonly known as keeping a registration list. It even stated this on its Web site. But now it wants to keep the records.

Second, if you are denied by the FBI, they have requested exemption from the Privacy Act in this matter. The Privacy Act allows citizens to view and have corrected files the government has on them. It is like looking at your credit report. If you find an error you can appeal it and have it corrected.

But now the FBI could deny you your right to own a firearm based on misinformation and does not have to tell you why or allow you to see the record or get it corrected.

Finally, HCI and Sarah Brady want to reinstitute waiting periods for the sake of waiting periods. This is in direct contrast to her statements before Congress during the Brady Bill debate that HCI does not favor waiting periods for the sake of waiting periods. It seems the anti-gun forces wish to proceed one step at a time.

I feel it is important that Texas get itself on the exempt list of states from the NICS and eliminate this nightmare.

WILLIAM BARLOW

Abilene

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