Letter to the Editor: State’s Republicans befuddling Democrats
Thursday, September 04, 2003
The Ohio Republican party has pulled off the greatest political public-relations stunt of the century. Many elected officials, by acting like Democrats, have confused the Democrats so much that they are uncertain as to what to do.
Those premises and ideals that historically and philosophically have separated the two parties have melted away. The old Republican Party position of being opposed to big spending, big government and high taxes seems to have changed. The recent spending and tax increases enacted by the legislature and the resultant growth of government is more in line with what the Democrats usually do.
Thus, when one party takes on the basic principles of the other, the other party is not sure of what to do to counter that action. Hence the confusion.
Among the problems resulting from this seeming abdication of Republican principles in Ohio is the fact that not only are the Democrats confused, but the voters are even more confused, including some lifelong Republicans.
JAMES M . ABRAHAM
Columbus
Commentary:
The worst part of this phenomenon for self-defense advocates is that Republican Party's Bob Taft demanded that the Senate insert dangerous language into HB12 that no Democrats were asking for.
This language (which both the Buckeye State Sheriffs Association and Ohio FOP agree is unsafe) was not necessary to win over any votes in the Senate. In fact, inserting it resulted in loosing the vote of staunchly pro-CCW Sen. Lynn Wachtmann.
Sen. Doug White (also a Republican) is refusing to appoint conferees to fix the bill and send it to Taft, citing unwillingness in the Senate Republican Caucus to override a potential veto. But Ohioans For Concealed Carry has polled Senators, and we believe the votes are there.
Click here to read the letter in the Columbus Dispatch (subscription site - paid access only).
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How a Republican (who won't act like one) governor is stalling HB12
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Perception changes in a (political) gun fight
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