Concealed handguns -- or, just the possibility that they're around -- are for making a perp think twice about doing his dirty deeds. And, if he still makes the wrong choice, they're for taking him out before he does too much.
Don your asbestos suit, my friend. You're gonna get royally flamed, and rightfully so.
Paranoid wimps like elderly people, those in wheelchairs, and single women, all of which would be at the mercy of one or several strong men, except by having concealed handguns.
Concealed handguns are dandy for those of us who want to exercise our 2nd amendment rights without unduly alarming the other folks in the office. If some nutcase starts going off at work, in a shopping mall, or elsewhere, I don't want to figure out "how am I gonna get that Armalite outta the trunk of the car?" I want to be able to defend myself on the spot.
While I personally favor the idea of my wife taking the kids shopping with her 870 slung over her shoulder, it would make other shoppers nervous in a way that a Glock under her coat would not.
Finally, concealed carry laws are a force multplier. They create an important element of uncertainty for those who would prey on the citizenry. If 5% of the sheep are armed, but the wolf doesn't know which ones, he will look for another pen to raid.
The current law was enacted in the late 1800's primarily to deny blacks and Irish immigrants the ability to carry a concealed firearm.
The statute allows for some rather capricious enforcement by the police and judiciary. The language includes a reference to going armed "where a prudent man would do so". I think if it's argued on the basis of equal protection the constitutionalists will win.
Another option is an open carry but doing so results in an arrest for "brandishing a weapon" or "inciting public panic" or "menacing".
I'm an Ohioan, am familiar with the situation - I am not just popping off here.
The NRA has been involved with trying to change the Ohio Constitution's guarantee to carry arms to a permit system. (Wouldn't the newspaper folks love to apply for a license to write editorials?)
Rank and file police are FOR concealed carry. The police leadership is against it, citing that it makes the police officer's job more dangerous. An interesting argument but the police are trained to treat every traffic stop as if there were a firearm involved anyways.
Meanwhile, I see more and more off-duty police as security guards at grocery stores and shopping malls. That's in addition to the security in the malls that we don't regularly see.
When I start seeing that type of situation I think it should cause a rational person to think "Is there some sort of crime problem at this store or shopping area?" I've wanted to ask the store manager more than once a) if there's a problem that I should be aware of and b) should I bring my own firearm to increase my ability to protect myself and my family?
I am not paranoid and I like this neighborhood. The CCW laws in this country have to change in order so all citizens like the cab drivers, cashiers, and people who work nights can come home at night safe and sound.