Letter to the Editor: Clyde, editors should know better

August 27, 2004
Fremont News Messenger

General laws of the state cannot be ignored

The News-Messenger is making the same knee-jerk reaction that Clyde officials made when they passed their misguided prohibition of concealed handgun license holders in parks.

This paper argues that because you can ban grilling and loitering, you should be able to ban guns, too.

Using that logic, Clyde officials could refuse to recognize the Ohio driver's license or vehicle tags because they're a "Charter" government -- and could impose criminal penalties for those who tried to drive within the city limits without Clyde approval. Everyone knows their Ohio driver's license entitles them to the same rights statewide, and further that other states and even Canada offer reciprocity for those privileges.

Similarly, with concealed handgun licensing, the State of Ohio has implemented a general law that must be uniformly implemented and respected statewide and that has now gained respect and reciprocity in many other states.

If local governments could bow out of controversial state laws on a whim, our system of government would be pointless.

The City of Clyde has produced no evidence of a need for this ordinance. There is no evidence from the 45 other states, which currently allow the carrying of handguns, to suggest Clyde officials have a leg to stand on. We are left to conclude that their decision is based either on well-intended, irrational, unjustified fear of the unknown or a deeply rooted anti-gun agenda.

On the other hand, there is overwhelming anecdotal evidence across the State of Ohio and this country indicating that violent crimes against good, honest people happen in public parks regularly, yet randomly.

Secluded hiking and bike trails are the last place that government officials and anti-gun editors should suggest they know better than the law-abiding citizen when it comes to defending their own lives and families against random and unpredictable acts of violence.

Jeff Garvas, President
Ohioans For Concealed Carry
POB 25488
Cleveland, Ohio 44125

NOTE: This newspaper conducted an online survey asking its readers whether cities, towns and counties should be able to ban weapons in their parks. The results were overwhelming.

Click on the "Read More..." link below for another letter criticizing the City of Clyde for its unconstitutional actions.

August 26, 2004
Port Clinton News Herald

People have right to defend themselves in city parks

No, I don't believe Clyde or any other cities have the right to ban guns from parks. The state legislature took this into consideration when the concealed carry law was passed. People have the right to defend themselves and have undergone classroom instruction and training and passed background checks. How many other people that use these parks can say that?

Wilbur VanTassel
Oak Harbor