LTE: Media Access Loophole not used for reasons you claimed
Ohio's newspapers continue to offer various and sundry excuses for why they should be allowed to continue treated law-abiding citizens as though they are sex offenders, suspicious neighbors in need of being watched. The following letter to the Marion Star has not (yet?) been published in the newspaper, but as it does an excellent job of highlighting the lie behind their claims for the necessity of the Media Access Loophole, we are happy to share it here.
March 26, 2005
Editor Thomas T. Graser
The Marion Star
150 Court Street
Marion, Ohio 43302
Dear Mr. Graser;
Reasonable people can agree to disagree in a reasonable manner. I respectfully disagree with your editorial of March 20, 2005 regarding possible changes to Ohio's Concealed Carry Law. Your editorial states that such changes are unnecessary. I believe that your stance on this issue is incorrect.
It is important for our legislators to tweak and improve the law. I trust that they will take this responsibility seriously. Some newspapers in Ohio have failed to follow the intent of the law. I have discussed this problem with a number of legislators, and shared my displeasure with the manner in which big city newspapers have printed the names and address of concealed carry permit holders.
The media access provision was added to the legislation so journalists could easily ascertain whether criminals had obtained a concealed carry permit prior to committing their crimes. To date, I have read only one article in the print media regarding inappropriate actions on the part of a concealed carry permit holder. That case was a traffic stop wherein no one was injured.
The media prints stories about motorcycle accidents and generally the last line of the story notes whether or not the accident victims are wearing helmets. Likewise, the last line of stories of automobile accidents advises whether the victims were wearing seat belts. I believe these are legitimate components of responsible media coverage.
Last Sunday, you also asked what we like in the newspaper. Here's what I would like: whenever a criminal is arrested after using a handgun in a crime, please note in the story whether the criminal has taken to trouble of obtaining a concealed carry permit, i.e., has taken and passed the class; filed fingerprints; submitted the application and fee; and received the license, after having been vetted and approved. That too, I believe, is a legitimate component of responsible media coverage.
Sincerely,
William S. Lee
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