'Defense' Walkers to Openly Carry Firearms at the Governor’s Mansion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 24, 2003
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'Defense' Walkers from Across Ohio to Openly Carry Firearms at the Governor’s
Mansion

COLUMBUS • Ohioans For Concealed Carry has announced that activists from
across the state who are interested in protesting Governor Taft’s obstruction
of concealed carry reform will "openly carry" their sidearms, beginning in a public park at the corner of Parkview and Commonwealth outside the Governor’s Mansion in Bexley, November
30 at 2:00 p.m.

In the past two months, over one thousand Ohioans have staged 'Defense' Walks
around the state, at which they openly carry firearms to protest the failure
of their elected officials to keep their promises and enact concealed-carry
legislation.

Veteran Walkers will join first-timers in an event designed to display Ohioans' frustration with Governor Taft for yet again "moving the cheese", as
Sen. Jeff Jacobson describes it, for a bill acceptable to him. Walkers will
join OFCC’s Central Ohio Coordinator, Gerard Valentino, and Gahanna Walk co-
coordinator Bob Maroldy as they walk around the Governor’s Mansion openly
carrying firearms.

"Our Statehouse Walk was a huge success. Over 125 people marched in the
middle of a weekday afternoon. After six years of repeated broken promises, I
can only imagine the turnout we’ll have in Bexley, rain or shine," said
Valentino. "In contrast to past Walks, participants in Bexley will be carrying
signs and other visual displays. Some are planning to bring photos of some of
the victims who have died trying to follow the State Highway Patrol’s advice
on what to do when attacked in one’s car. I’ve been thankful to have obtained
the support of the Bexley Police Department, and we look forward to a peaceful event."

The Ohio Supreme Court ruled in September that openly carrying a firearm is a fundamental right protected by our state Constitution. Anyone who can own a
handgun legally can carry that firearm openly in Ohio, yet the legislation
that exists in forty-five states and that Governor Taft has continually
obstructed requires mandatory training, a background investigation, and a
forty-five day application process. It is now time to show Bob Taft what he is
forcing Ohioans who choose to defend themselves to do: openly carry firearms
for self-defense.

When he first ran for Governor Bob Taft told gun owners he’d pass concealed
carry reform, only to add his law enforcement support demand right before the election. After the two largest law enforcement groups accepted the
Governor’s terms, Taft issued a new demand - that the State Highway Patrol,
which he controls, support the bill. The Patrol bureaucracy has demanded that
laws that exist today be removed from the bill to garner their support. They
insist that citizens don’t need a firearm in their car because they can drive
away from carjackings. Unfortunately, that kind of advice has resulted in the
deaths of at least two Ohioans this summer, while most states allow anyone who owns a firearm to carry it in their car without a license.

“After promising he would sign the controversial Senate version, Taft has yet
again attempted to change the rules of the game by insisting the conference
committee violate established conference rules and address an open records
issue that has been addressed and defeated in nearly every state to adopt
concealed carry this year,” said Jeff Garvas, president of Ohioans For Concealed Carry. “Lawmakers in the House and Senate who have been reluctant to
override a veto from a Governor of their own party must understand no bill
will ever earn Taft’s approval. If they want to keep their promises to constituents on self-defense, they need to be willing to do it without Bob Taft."

"Since Michigan passed their reform in 2000 their crime rates have reduced to less per capita than Ohio for the first time in 40 years, Ohioans have become increasingly frustrated that such a law has not been passed in Ohio," observed Chad Baus, OFCC Spokesperson. "Last summer, Governor Taft, from a privileged upbringing, raised taxes without understanding or concern for the financial hardship everyday citizens feel
during an economic downturn.”

“For six long years, he has proven he also has no concern for the increasing
number of defenseless victims in our state. His demands that the committee
address a new issue affirm that he doesn't understand legislative procedure
any better than he understands crime. His arrogance and indifference to the
deceased and their families illustrate that in his mind, no one's life is as
important as his own legacy," said Baus.

"Unfortunately, the rest of us can't afford armed bodyguards."

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