Posted on 09/06/2002 12:11:05 PM PDT by Deadeye Division
Let Ohioans live safely
SEPT. 16, 2002 -- There's an old saying that whatever doesn't kill us makes us stronger, meaning that our experiences often prepare us for whatever is yet to come. We learn from mistakes by taking steps to ensure we don't repeat them, which accounts for the additional airport security and heightened sense of awareness we've all experienced in the wake of the terrorist attacks of last September.
Hardly a week has gone by since then that we haven't been reminded by this politician or that talking head that we, as individuals, must take more responsibility for thwarting future attacks by alerting authorities to anything or anyone out of the ordinary. In essence, individuals are being asked to look after themselves, rather than relying on the authorities to solve all of our problems.
A good example is a drama unfolding in and around Baton Rouge, La, where a serial killer is responsible for the deaths of three women in the past 10 months. Police apparently have few leads in the cases, but have evidence tying all three murders to the same person. As might be imagined, women in the area are concerned for their safety. But they're not just sitting around fretting about it. Many are taking self-defense classes. Some have opted to carry pepper spray and travel only in pairs.
During a recent radio interview, Louisiana Gov. Mike Foster reminded women that they also have the right to arm themselves against the danger. "Most people don't ever want to use a gun to protect themselves - that's the last thing they want to do," Foster told listeners, "but if you know how ... it sure can save you a lot of grief."
Unfortunately, Ohio's governor can't issue the same advice because it is against the law in this state to carry a concealed weapon.
Studies show that crime rates have gone down in states after they allowed law-abiding citizens to carry concealed weapons. The prediction that more armed citizens would signal a return to the days of gunfights in city streets have not come to pass, nor are they likely to. Most gun owners understand and appreciate the huge responsibility that goes along with carrying a firearm, and act accordingly. There have been few cases in which U.S. permit holders have been involved in an incident in which his or her firearm was misused.
In addition, there have been cases in which would-be crime victims, by merely showing the criminal a gun, have sent criminals away empty-handed. And there's no way to guess how many crimes are not even contemplated due to the risk of finding an armed victim.
It is long past time for the Ohio General Assembly to stop skirting the issue. The people of Ohio need the ability to legally carry a concealed weapon. Nearly every state in the union has laws allowing its residents to carry a concealed weapon. Why shouldn't Ohioans also enjoy this extra measure of safety during these troubled times?
We don't support vigilantism and aren't suggesting everyone go out and buy a handgun to carry around with them. Not everyone wants one and some people shouldn't have one. But government shouldn't stand in the way of those law-abiding citizens who are willing to take more responsibility for their own security by getting a gun.
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