Searching for proof of conversion in Taft's first HB347 form letter
After passage of Ohio's concealed carry law, Bob Taft, who opposed concealed carry reform for years after first being elected on a promise to pass it, and who contributed to the insertion of several poison pills in an attempt to kill it before attempting to take credit for it once final passage became inevitable.
- January 27, 2004
The OSU Lantern
Gov. Bob Taft intended on taking a bite out of Ohio's crime on Jan. 8, when he signed a legislative bill to legalize the carrying of concealed handguns.
In an effort to prevent crime rates from rising, the Ohio legislature has followed the lead of 45 other states by upholding the Second Amendment as a constitutional right mandated by every law-abiding citizen.
Orest Holubec, spokesman for Taft, said the governor's decision to sign the bill was partially linked to the statistics of declining crime rates in other states.
For the first time in 30 years, the state of Michigan has experienced a 60 percent decrease in its crime polls, which is attributed to the legalization of concealed weapons.
"It has proven to be rather beneficial in other states and has significantly decreased crimes. The governor has always supported the right to bear arms and has received a great amount of support from many Ohioans," Holubec said.
Excusably skeptical of Bob's sudden conversion, we noted at the time that Taft would have the chance to prove his "conversion" when we begin work with legislators to "reform the reform", and remove the terrible, invasive, and sometimes even dangerous provisions which were inserted by his hand.
That time is now, and early signs point to a regression to form.
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According to media reports about the introduction of House Bill 347, Taft has expressed no interest in seeing the problematic "plain sight" provision removed from the law, despite requests from law enforcement that the change be made.
"It's hard to imagine anyone insisting language that has helped criminals steal guns is necessary for the "safety of law enforcement" or the anyone else in the community," notes Jim Irvine, Chairman of Buckeye Firearms Association. "No other state has such stupid language, and though we have requested it many times, neither Governor Taft nor the OHP has provided us with even one case where the laws of the other 49 states have caused a license holder to endanger/kill/injure a police officer. And we are sure they never will."
Taft also expressed opposition to what he had told by the media was an attempt in HB347 to remove the media access loophole, but backed down from early veto threats when it became clear the media was incorrectly reporting the nature of the change.
Taft's office, beleaguered in 2005 by revelations of campaign finance illegalities, has now begun mailing out form letters to constituents who write him about HB347. Conspicuously missing are any concerns about the legislation, vague references to phantom law enforcement opposition, etc.
After a quick read of this form letter, and a review of his recent comments to the media, there is now doubt that the search is still on for proof of Taft's pro-self-defense conversion.
How You Can Help:
Ask Bob Taft to support House Bill 347
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