Letter to the Editor: Editorial omitted facts about concealed-carry bill

December 27, 2003
Columbus Dispatch

The editorial, “Taking the Heat,” imploring Governor Taft to veto HB12 was not only factually flawed but proved the Dispatch editorial staff is vehemently anti-gun.

Ohio’s longtime ban on concealed weapons has only served criminals well - allowing them to prey on unarmed and unsuspecting victims for far too long, leaving Ohioans vulnerable to violent attack without the means for self defense.

You point use supposed errors in the permit issuing process in Texas to prove the need for oversight, but show no evidence they had a detrimental effect on public safety - a convenient omission designed to give validity to your unsubstantiated argument.

Also omitted is the fact that the provision in HB12 allowing media to check permit holders names on a case by case basis is the same access allowed to police and firefighters' information.

Not publicly disclosing their personal information is designed to protect them against criminal vendettas and permit holders who might use a legally carried firearm to stop a violent attack deserve the same protection. Hunters, on the other hand, clearly do not need to fear revenge from their intended prey.

In previous editorials, The Dispatch stated that Taft should veto concealed carry legislation opposed by law enforcement. That is not only giving non-elected law-enforcement officials control over the legislative process but also claiming the same group is unable to adequately administer the permit system.

What the Dispatch editorial staff, Governor Taft and anti-gun extremist can not accept is legalized concealed carry lowers crime and allows innocent Ohioans to protect themselves. It works in other states and the Dispatch must have a low opinion of Ohio citizens and law enforcement to think that it won’t work here.

Gerard Valentino
Pickerington

Click here to read the letter in the Columbus Dispatch.