In his letter (“Press Goes Too Far”, Feb. 24), Milton Jones of West Fork has shown his lack of understanding about the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

First, the law applies to all citizens, not just the press. Any citizen can go to any government office and obtain information.

Newspapers and other media organizations have traditionally used the law because they have a watchdog role in society.

They use FOIA to get information and publish it for the rest of us to see. It’s a First Amendment thing.

Secondly, FOIA is not about anyone’s “right to privacy.” It is about the public’s access to public records. No one can use freedom of information laws to go look at your bank account, credit card application or medical records. But if the information is a matter of public record, that information can’t be concealed. (Exceptions mostly involve court cases and personnel files).

If you’re curious about new construction in your neighborhood, go examine the building permit that was issued. Want to know if someone has a hunting license? Go ask game and fish. Wondering about an insurance salesman?

Check with the insurance commission. Driving violations, felony arrests,property transfers, anything that involves public records, is and should be open to public inspection.

Should the public be allowed to know who’s walking around with a loaded pistol tucked in his waistband hidden under a jacket. Why not? I may want to seek their help in a dangerous situation. I’m unarmed.

STEVE WINKLER

West Fork

Opinion, Pages 5 on 02/26/2013