Letter to the Editor: Dispatch’s coverage of gun bill too liberal

Friday, July 04, 2003

Why does The Dispatch continue to print statements that either make no sense or clearly have no rational thought behind them? If the newspaper is going to lean left — and it always does — why not at least offset each article from the left with an opposing one from the right?

For example, The Dispatch published the June 19 article "Gun bill fails to sway NRA." Sen. Eric D. Fingerhut, D-Cleveland, was quoted: "If this bill becomes law . . . then it will be on his (Gov. Bob Taft’s) watch. Every time a child picks up a gun and kills someone, it will be on his hands."

This is not a bill about owning a gun; it is about residents carrying the guns they already own without being made criminals. Forty-four states have the proof that gun violence has not increased with the passage of a law allowing the concealed carrying of handguns.

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

In a June 20 Dispatch article on concealed carry, state Sen. Dan Brady, D-Cleveland, said, "I believe this bill would be reckless, and more people would die on the streets of inner cities."

Take a look at the inner city. There is no concealed carry now, and that hasn’t prevented violent crime. Besides, a criminal is not going to apply for a concealed-carry permit. He is going to carry a gun regardless. The majority of the inner-city people of whom Brady speaks will not even qualify for a permit. Maybe those who do qualify will feel a little safer when they have a chance to defend themselves. Honest, lawabiding citizens who carry will never be a threat to the community, to the police or to the children.

JAMES G . RICKER
Hilliard

Click here to read the letter in the Columbus Dispatch (subscription site - paid access only).