Turning a corner? Ohio media offers positive stories on guns

If this is a sign of a change in the wind, bring it on...

In recent days, two Ohio newspapers have allowed objective articles dealing with firearms-related topics to appear in black and white. The name of one of the papers just might surprise you...

Click on the "Read More..." link below for more.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer, known in Ohio as the Second Amendment's Enemy Number One among scores of like enemies, accidentally (?) let a little of the truth out about guns this week.

Police traffic fatalities outnumber gun deaths
Cars and trucks, not guns, are becoming the No. 1 threat to police officers.

Traffic accidents have killed 429 officers nationwide this decade, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Nearly one in five was hit by a vehicle.

In contrast, guns have killed 351 officers, the memorial fund says.

Spokesman Bruce Mendelsohn attributes the trend to increased traffic and distracted drivers. Motorists do too many things in their cars, from talking on phones to putting on makeup, he said.

The number of police killed in traffic -- whether driving their cruisers or standing outside them -- has risen 40 percent in 30 years, while gun deaths have declined 36 percent, Mendelsohn said.

While it can be expected that Plain Dealer editorialists will ignore this news report from their very own pages the next time they try to further claims that more guns equal more crime, The Marietta Times has published two excellent pieces on the growing number of women enjoying the shooting sports, and the objective nature of these pieces suggest that at least some newspapers in Ohio are beginning to understand the merits of firearms ownership:

Women hone skills with guns
“We’re seeing a lot more women joining our group, probably up 20 percent over five years ago,” Stacy said. “I think part of it is due to the Ohio Concealed Carry Law, enacted recently. They are taking the classes. The rest is due to security issues.”

Teachers shatter stereotypes about women and guns
Cathy Ash, 41, of Barlow, is a shooter and proud of it.

For more and more American women like Ash, knowing how to handle and properly use a firearm offers empowerment, self-confidence, security, and fun.

"I love it all, just so long as it goes bang," Ash said of her guns.

Women and guns — it's a growing trend not likely to slow anytime soon.

Bravo to Times reporter Connie Cartmell for these two excellent news stories. Words of thanks can be sent to here by clicking here.