Letters: An unconcealed attempt to scare gun opponents

June 26, 2004
Cleveland Plain Dealer

The June 20 pdQ article "Ohio concealed-weapon law carries its own smoking gun" portrayed a 12-gun-toting, villainous fictional character, "Captain Ohio." I see this as another misrepresentation of the character of law-abiding citizens who have earned the privilege to carry concealed weapons.

To carry a concealed weapon, one must first get an application from the local sheriff's office, successfully complete a minimum of 12 hours training in firearm safety and practice-range shooting, be fingerprinted, present a photo I.D. and submit to a criminal background check. This does not fit the profile of a 12-gun-toting "Captain Ohio."

Ivan G. Nassar
Cleveland Heights

The June 20 "smoking gun" item looks like a blatant at tempt to instill fear in the general populace regarding CCW permit holders. Yes, it is theoretically possible to carry that many guns, but not likely.

Aside from the fact that few people can afford that many handguns, someone carrying them would look very lumpy and obvious. Ask any law-enforcement officer how hard it is to properly conceal one weapon when leaning over or reaching for something.

Dave Leeds
Cleveland Heights

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