Letter to the Editor: ‘Dispatch’ doesn’t back argument with facts
June 02, 2004
Columbus Dispatch
I enjoyed reading The Dispatch’s provocative comments regarding restricting concealed carry in public parks ("Promote peace in parks," editorial, May 24). I’m in favor of the idea, but the newspaper’s supporting arguments make a rather poor case.
I’m glad The Dispatch acknowledges that concealed carry laws require the citizen to be law-abiding and pass a background check, but does the newspaper have any statistics to back up the prediction that shootouts amongst these law-abiding citizens will erupt over soccer games or couples quarreling at picnics?
If safety in public places is the goal, shouldn’t the emphasis be placed on an increased police presence at these public parks to protect citizens from those who would carry weapons, regardless of the law, i.e. criminals? After all, will any city be willing to pay wrongfuldeath claims if, after disarming its citizenry, it fails to adequately protect them?
Also, is the editorial board aware that its cited claim of a "vast majority" of people killed by guns by someone they know has been long discredited by better sources of crime statistics, such as the U.S. Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Statistics?
Editorial writers should be wary of taking statistical "proof" from a gun-banning group, such as the Violence Policy Center. That is, of course, if informed commentary is at all important.
GARY R. WOOD
Carroll
Commentary:
Bad news for Mr. Wood, who admittedly supports efforts to restrict concealed carry in parks. The Dispatch didn't include the evidence he wishes they would have because THERE ISN'T ANY.
OFCC believes it is incumbent upon anti-gun mayors and legislators to find evidence that there is reason to reform the law. It is incumbent upon those who would support such a bill to offer proof that concealed handgun license-holders are causing problems in other states' city parks. It is their turn to prove there is a problem which needs fixing. Supporters of concealed carry/ self-defense reform have been proving it for years.
Related Stories:
Columbus Dispatch finally finds ''CCW legislation'' it likes, and it's D.O.A.
Big-city Mayors uniting against Ohio's CCW law (buried in a story about their support for John Kerry)
Gun ban extremists to offer first concealed carry ''corrections'' bill?
Park flasher problem highlights needs for armed self-protection in parks
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