A (long overdue) GOP slap at Taft

The following is Buckeye Firearms Association's response to today's Toledo Blade editorial. Responses in red type.

EVEN in the waning days of his administration, Gov. Bob Taft "can't get no respect." (Respect is earned, not given. He’s had 8 years to earn it; the lack of it at this stage is well earned.) Leaders of his own party in the state House, and probably the Senate, are poised to hand him a striking legislative defeat on concealed-carry as a parting gift. (Absurdity is often dealt with firmly.)

But besides a reflection of the governor's depleted political capital in Columbus, the fast-moving developments in the General Assembly reflect a political leadership out of step with the populace. (What is an appropriate period of reflection prior to dismissing the irrational?) Only hours after Mr. Taft vetoed new concealed-carry legislation, the House easily voted to override his veto. (Only because they couldn’t do it quicker.)

It is widely assumed the Senate will follow suit. Picking up one additional vote in the Senate is all that is necessary for the Republican-led legislature to pre-empt all local gun laws throughout Ohio. "This vast prohibition of local control is unwarranted and failed to consider the differing challenges and circumstances faced by difference communities and regions of the state," said Mr. Taft. (We are absolutely certain the Blade and soon-to-be former Governor Taft will express the same respect for the differing challenges and circumstances faced by communities when it comes to telling them what they can do with their public records and public meetings.)

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

The governor was absolutely right in his assessment of the swiftly passed measure, (something that takes over 1.5 years to get done is swift?) but the lame-duck leader's words carry no weight these days with top Republican lawmakers. On this particular issue that's unfortunate for most Ohioans. (The Blade’s and Taft’s dire predictions have been wrong 100% of the time on gun issues thus far, this time they are right?)

Many of them in communities across the state strongly support their local prohibitions governing possession, purchase, and sale of handguns and assault weapons. (“Many” as in a small handful who care enough about the issue to testify or call their representatives.) But the preferences of average citizens don't carry the clout that powerful lobbyists like the National Rifle Association do. (It is important to blame this problem on the Boogeyman, the gun lobby. Absent this, all the Blade would be left with is “our editorial position is out of step/wrong.)

Still, it's worth the home rule about to be steamrollered by the legislature to plead for more prudence in the Senate than was exhibited in the House. (Will you plead for Home Rule and ask them to reject public records reforms?) Legions of Ohioans have spoken their opposition to loosening concealed-carry restrictions enacted two years ago. (By “legions” they mean “several” according to the legislative aids we’ve talked to calls for override have been outnumbering calls against override by several orders of magnitude.)

The message they have sent Columbus has been loud and clear in the scores of local ordinances passed that impose stricter gun control than state law. (Apparently clear to editorial boards and no one else. Funny how that works.) It's up to the Ohio Senate whether to reflect the will of the people or a far more narrow agenda. (We fully expect the Senate to reflect the will of the people and vote to override, thus rejecting the narrow agenda of worthless gun control.)

Following are examples of other media editorials this morning, in which the hypocrites kiss the behind of a man they spent the last eight years beating to a pulp. These articles prove that the only people out of touch with "the populace" are Bob Taft and the elitist media:

Kissy-kissy from the Cleveland Plain Dealer: Taft's veto should stand
Last week, the governor rightly vetoed a bill that loosens restrictions on carrying concealed weapons and strips local governments of any meaningful ability to regulate the sale or possession of guns.

Kissy-kissy from the Columbus Dispatch: Act locally
If senators consider carefully the impact House Bill 347 would have on all of Ohio, they will see the wisdom of Taft’s veto and vote accordingly.

Kissy-kissy from the Dayton Daily News: Our View: Bob Taft deserves more respect
To judge by his poll ratings, you might think Bob Taft has been the worst governor ever. It's not true....Bob Taft, former Peace Corps volunteer, is a man with a social conscience. He and his wife Hope have both worked to combat social ills and promote good schools in troubled areas. Now he says they might settle in the Dayton area. They'd be welcome additions.