Lorain Morning Journal Editorial Can't Handle The Packed Heat

It should come as absolutely no surprise that the liberally left of left Lorain Morning Journal is opposed to concealed carry reform. Likewise, it should be no surprise that they're having an editorial spasm over the fact that a few hundred people carrying firearms are going shopping in Vermilion this weekend.

Are you coming to shop?

The editorial can be found
right here, or you can click Read More for an archive just in case the Morning Journal takes it offline at some point.

The Morning Journal is so anti-gun that they've convinced themselves that firearms must already be registered, as witnessed in this quote from the editorial:

It's generally legal under current Ohio law to carry a licensed weapon in public as long as it's in plain view. White organized a peaceful ''gun walk'' in Lorain in October.

Newsflash: Its not "generally legal", it is a fundamental constitutional right in Ohio to carry a firearm openly, and nobody has to license their firearm to do it this weekend so long as they are permitted to own the firearm they bring with them.

Cleveland Plain Dealer: Packing heat for the holidays

WKYC-TV Cleveland: Group encouraging people to carry guns while shopping

Related Stories:
OFCC Announces Vermilion Open Carry Shopping Day!

Gun-toting shoppers to stroll Vermilion's Harbour Town, sadly

12/19/2003

Tomorrow, from noon to 2 p.m., your eyes won't be playing tricks on you if you see gun-toting people shopping in Vermilion's quaint Harbour Town district.

It may give you the creeps, but it's ''Vermilion Open Carry Shopping Day,'' as proclaimed by supporters of a law allowing Ohioans to carry concealed weapons.

Dan White of Lorain, organizer of this sad and ill-advised stunt, tells potential participants on his Web site, ''Handguns only please. Longarms risk knocking over merchandise and crowding customers. It will be your choice whether to carry your firearm loaded.''

It's generally legal under current Ohio law to carry a licensed weapon in public as long as it's in plain view. White organized a peaceful ''gun walk'' in Lorain in October.

A ''publicity stunt'' is how Vermilion Mayor Jimmy Davis characterized tomorrow's event. ''They just want press.'' Police plan to monitor the event, and don't expect trouble.

At least eight businesses gave their consent to serve pistol-packing patrons, according to White. He said they include Bittersweet Annie, Brummer's Homemade Chocolates and Candies, Jan's Added Touch, Lee's Landing, RJ Antiques and Collectibles, Main Street Soda and Grill, Tactical Edge Paintball Shop and Vermilion Hardware. Three shops told White to keep out, Encore Shop, Papa Joe's and Victorian Country Cottage.

White belongs to a group called Ohioans for Concealed Carry and defends the Vermilion event saying it will ''present a visual choice to citizens,'' open carrying of weapons as opposed to concealed carry.

It's irritating and tiresome to see White and his fellow ''shoppers'' exploiting the traditional Christmas shopping season to shove their pro-gun philosophy in everyone's face.

Gov. Taft is talking about a possible compromise to clear the way for a concealed carry law in Ohio, despite an earlier veto threat, after the General Assembly rushed a bill to him this month. But the sticking point isn't guns or no guns, it's how much access the public should have to the list of those who'd be granted permits to carry concealed weapons. Taft wants more access than the bill allows.

We're just flat-out against concealed carry, especially under a law that hides the names of those packing the guns. Ohio doesn't need more people carrying guns in public, along with its certainty of more maiming and killing, accidentally or otherwise.

We urge Taft to veto the gun bill, period.

We also urge White and his gun proponents to enjoy shopping in Vermilion, but leave their guns at home. It's Christmas for goodness sakes.

Click here to see "E-pinions" - 100% disagreed with the Morning Journal!! (Of course, the LMJ did not ever make mention of this fact in print).