LTE: Concealed-carry list not news

April 11, 2005
Ashland Times-Gazette

Saturday, March 19, you wrote an editorial criticizing members of the state Legislature for threatening to restrict media access to lists of concealed carry permit holders. You find it absurd pro-self-defense people believe publishing lists of those who are exercising their right to defend themselves invites criminals to single them our for theft or attack. Apparently, you feel all bad guys are too stupid to figure out where they might be able to find a weapon. Oh, if only that were the case!

What disturbs me most in your column is the open threat you make to publish the list of Ashland County residents who have permits if and when the legislature follows through with their intent to restrict media access. Even though you admit the list obtained by you was not "exciting" and "had minimal news value", you will publish it anyway. What did you expect to find on the list? Jack the Ripper? Nope, just ordinary citizens concerned enough about defending themselves that they took the training and underwent the background checks to qualify for the permit. You know what, Mr. Daniels? I'll bet the majority of Ashland County residents are not interested in learning which of their neighbors and friends are packing heat. You are right on that account…the lists are of minimal news value.

I am left to wonder if your intent to publish the list is politically motivated. You never say where you stand on the issue, but apparently you are opposed to citizens having the right to defend themselves. It is your right to oppose concealed carry, but I don't think it is responsible journalistic practice to threaten to reveal information about individuals purely to prove you have the power to do so. The legislature has placed a fundamental democratic principle in your hands, and wise and cautious application of that principle would not place innocent citizens in the middle of your political agenda.

Misuse it and you deserve to lose it.

Tom Brown
Ashland