From: [b--n--n] at [popeye.jsc.nasa.gov] (Bob Hennan)
Newsgroups: talk.politics.guns
Subject: Brady Misfires at *Accused* Felons
Date: 21 Nov 1994 16:22:06 GMT

Much of Texas is also following the BATF recommendations for 
harassment. I was denied a handgun purchase earlier this year in
Houston. I called Barry McDermitt of the Houston Police Department, ID
Section, and discussed the matter with him (he has the individual who
made the decision to deny purchase). Barry was very professional and
polite, and shed some light some on the "logic" behind the madness.

I was denied due to a misdemeanor charge from twenty years ago. In the
state of Texas, the computer files show only the date and place of
arrest, so if you show up on the computer for any kind of arrest
whatsoever, you are denied. I checked on this with multiple sources, 
and was convinced that this is true. 

Therefore, Barry found that I had been arrested, and
left burden of proof on me that I was not a convicted felon. I argued
with Barry that this was a case of guilty until proven innocent.
Barry said that the Houston Police Department and the BATF had
determined that this was within their authority to do so.

Coincidentally, I had to take a day off from work for jury duty. I
thought I'd have some fun, so stopped by Barry's office in the
main office downtown. I handed Barry my jury summons and asked him
to get me out of jury duty due to my new status of "felon".

Barry was visibly flustered, I could tell that he hadn't thought out
the implications of their policies. He stammered for a while and then
said he'd call in the gun purchase approval. I had my court disposition
with me (I had to send off for it from another city) and ended up 
showing it to Barry to make him feel better.

Another interesting tidbit, Officer McDermitt explained the Houston
Police Department's reasoning for rejecting transfers because of
outstanding traffic tickets. He says that this means you must have
lied on your transfer application (4473), i.e. you are a "fugitive
from justice".

My take on all this Brady bullshit is that it's not having any affect
on crime. The only thing that it's doing is hassling honest citizens.
Fortunately, I think some of the backlash from these infringements on
freedom showed up in the recent elections.
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> Bob Hennan (713) 282-3698      Barrios Technology, Inc., Houston, TX <
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