Letters to Editors: Voices for and against right to self-defense in parks

September 16, 2004
Fremont News-Messenger

Right to carry concealed weapons should include parks

This is in response to the letter to the editor from John Salyers dated Sept. 1.

In reference to his letter, I find his points thoughtful, intelligent, concise and very reasonable. I find your little rebuttal at the end proof that most liberals cannot answer factual statements with anything but shadowy rhetoric. You failed to address the outstanding points that were made by Mr. Salyers.

Most non-partisan studies have shown that states with shall-issue laws have a drastic reduction in violent crimes. Violent crimes happen in public parks quite often. I know, "not in Port Clinton," but never say never. Who would have thought our little bedroom community would have a rapist running around? Your point that businesses such as bars, churches and public buildings is moot because they are moderately controlled environments. I would not agree with the church issue if we were in the Middle East, but the times they are a changing, aren't they? Certainly, businesses have the right not to allow CCW, but then we are informed enough not to spend our money in their "criminal protection zones."

A park is an outdoor public space that is the same as the city streets, and if you can ban in the parks, what's next? Might as well repeal the law and let the criminals know we are defenseless so they can come back! Let's have another more right-infringing law worse than the so-called assault weapons ban so we can't even own guns. That's what Kerry wants to do.

Then we can throw out the First Amendment and disallow free speech and turn all the papers over the government control! Yeah! Thomas Jefferson said it best: "When citizens fear their government, you have tyranny, when the government fears its citizens, you have freedom." Thank you for presenting both points of view on this subject.

Rick West
Port Clinton

September 14, 2004
Fremont News-Messenger

A voice against guns in parks

If you are so paranoid that you can't take your children to Clyde City Park to play on the swings or to watch a ball game without "packing a rod," maybe it's best if you just stay home.

Roger Hart
793 W. Maple St.

And if Roger is so paranoid he wears a seat belt when driving, perhaps he
shouldn't be behind the wheel...