Source Of Derisive Phrase -- Nra Didn't Originate `Jackbooted Thug' Term

In the July 1 lead editorial, your newspaper once again derides the National Rifle Association for using the term "jackbooted thugs" in referring to U.S. government agents.

I am not a member of the NRA, but believe you are barking up the wrong tree when you attribute this terminology to them. If you will do the research, you will find that, following the Waco tragedy, the same words were used in Congress. I learned in September 1994 about the true source, Rep. John Dingell of Michigan, Democrat and die-hard Clinton loyalist, and chairman of the Energy Committee at the time. He called the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms a "jackbooted group of fascists who are perhaps as large a danger to American society as I could pick today."

The NRA may have used poor timing in making the comment, but it certainly did not originate it. Joseph L. Strauss

Edmonds