Op-ed: "Guns in restaurants – another viewpoint"

[Editor's Note: The following op-ed was published in the Greene County Dailies (Xenia Gazette, Fairborn Herald and Beavercreek News).]

by Larry S. Moore

The liberal mainstream media has mounted a full court press against HB45 and SB17, which will allow guns into venues that serve alcohol. Smaller media outlets, such as the Greene County Dailies, either willingly help their agenda by reprinting editorials or do so without a critical examination or knowledge of the issue.

We all agree that guns and alcohol don't mix – just as drinking and driving don't mix. We know some people continue to drink and drive. Some people today take guns into bars or other venues where the guns are currently prohibited. These people are breaking the law.

Somehow the concept of allowing the lawful background checked, fingerprinted concealed handgun license holder to carry into the same establishments is greeted with more screams of blood will run in the streets. The same rhetoric the liberals have pushed for years and without any basis in fact. Somehow the editorials assume that because I walk through some door my behavior changes. Either that or people cannot understand the difference between the law abiding citizen and criminal.

The new owners of the Greene County Dailies most certainly fall into this same mindset as the front door is posted with a no guns sign, even though it is questionable if their sign meets the letter of the law. Somehow I'm okay with my concealed handgun on the street outside but suddenly a threat once inside. I don't understand their thinking.

The concealed handgun license holder is not allowed to drink alcohol if carrying. That is true today whether at a private party, picking up a six-pack to go at the store or at home. How is it that my behavior is different if I am at an establishment that serves alcohol? Unlike the .08 BAC associated with drunk driving there is no minimum standard for alcohol and firearms. If an officer observes someone as impaired, they can be charged with having a firearm while intoxicated regardless of the amount.

Many cities across Ohio are faced with reductions in their law enforcement forces, either through budget deficits or by mass retirements. I've seen reports of 81 officers in Cleveland being eliminated. The Clark County Sheriff's Department is losing 11 officers to retirement. The department faces a vacancy of 18 positions plus a hiring freeze. The Ohio Public Employees Retirement System said retirement filings are up 27 percent over last year. What will the effect of the reduced forces be except to stretch the remaining forces thinner with longer response times? A reduction in probation officers and social workers only adds to the problem. What do you think is the overall effect on public safety? I think "we the people" may be left increasingly to our own preparedness in dealing with crisis and emergencies. A concealed handgun license and handgun is a critical part of being prepared for the worst.

I view self-defense as a right. Increasingly it is becoming a necessity. My rights should not be rationed based on the location of a restaurant. Parents can take their kids out to a great pizza place for a birthday party. While the kids play "Whack-A-Mole" the old man can down a few beers before driving them home. Socially we don't see a problem with this. So why do we see a problem with extending freedom and the right of self-defense so the law abiding can protect themselves regardless of the environment? What's wrong with our standards?

Outdoor writer and hunter education instructor Larry S. Moore is a long-time volunteer leader for Buckeye Firearms Association and winner of the 2005 USSA Patriot Award, the 2007 League of Ohio Sportsmen/Ohio Wildlife Federation Hunter Educator of the Year and the 2010 National Wild Turkey Federation/ Women in the Outdoors Hunter Education Instructor of the Year.