Letter to the editor: Priceless shotgun was earned through hard work

In 1959, I was 12 years old and wanted to hunt with my friends. My friend, Jimmy Barwick, had a .410 shotgun for sale for $10. I asked my Dad to give me $10 to get the gun. He refused but told me how I could earn the $10. We had some dirt under our house that needed to be removed. Dad said he would pay 10 cents/ wagon load to remove the dirt. It was hot, dirty and dark under the house. In a week, I hauled 100 loads, was paid and bought the gun. That was 65 years ago. I value that old gun far more than it is worth today. When I see that gun now, I see something I sacrificed for and earned. When we earn something, the value of that thing goes way up.

I am saddened by many Americans who are enticed by the word "free" - free lunch, free tuition, free rent, etc. "Free" means someone else is taking care of you. You are subservient to the "free" givers. When you are given a shotgun, there is no value attached. You are deprived of the joy of the sacrifices you have to make to earn the gun.The person who is promising to give you "free" stuff is crippling you. They are taking away the inherent joy always attached to sacrifice and accomplishment.

I'm looking for the politician who says, "I'm not giving you anything, but I'm giving you a shot at 100 shotguns if you want to make that sacrifice. It's up to you."

WALLIE JONES

Sumter