Columbus ThisWeek's Vince Dunbar, and the Columbus Dispatch's Joe Hallet are very likely cocktail party buddies. Or if they're not, they should be. Both are scared of firearms, and both admit to being absolutely unwilling to listen to reason.

ThisWeek has published Dunbar's official response to all the attention he's been receiving over his admission that "The logic behind concealed weapon proposal eludes me".

It's great entertainment to read his latest column for yourself, but allow us the joy of a quick summary:

• He got more feedback on this issue than anything he's ever written...and only four people agreed with him.

• He totally ignores or fails to respond to the logic and facts, presented to him by OFCC President Jeff Garvas (and countless letter-writers), nor does he offer corrections for his multiple errors. Instead, he focuses on getting his feelings hurt by a few who resorted to name calling, and even insinuates that he felt threatened by some who asked him to consider how he'd feel if his a member of family were threatened.

• He sums everything up by telling a story about a California resident who, while visiting a retail store in Kansas, put a cattle prod to his arm in the belief that it would not be active. Dunbar asks "Are you sure we want Scott to have the right to carry a concealed weapon?"

Guess what Vince? As a California resident, he already does.

Dr. John R. Lott Jr., a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, and the author of More Guns, Less Crime and The Bias Against Guns, continues to contribute to efforts to restore Ohioans' right to self-defense.

His latest offering is an op-ed about Ohio's concealed carry reform debate, which has been published in the Columbus Dispatch (perhaps the Dispatch was feeling guilty after they attacked reform efforts via two separate columns in Wednesday's issue?).

Click here to read Lott's op-ed in the Columbus Dispatch (subscription site - paid access only), or click on the "Read More..." link below for an archived copy.

House Bill 12 has been added to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Criminal Justice's agenda for sponsor testimony only on April 30 at 9:00 a.m. in the North Hearing Room, Second Floor, Senate Building.

Due to security checkpoints, it is recommended that those planning to attend should ARRIVE MUCH EARLIER.

Citizens are more than welcome to attend. But remember, THIS IS SPONSOR TESTIMONY ONLY. Future hearings will be scheduled (possibly the first week in May) for those wishing to offer testimony.

Please consider wearing your OFCC shirt to show support for the organization.

Click on the "Read More..." link below for more.

Your presence at this meeting is beneficial to the cause.

If you are interested in preparing testimony for future hearings, and don't know what to speak about, consult OFCC PAC's Education Guide.

When attending hearings on HB12 in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Criminal Justice, keep in mind that parking can be found under the building (if you arrive early) or in neighboring parking garages.

Your support for concealed carry reform is needed NOW: gather your friends and car pool to the hearings wearing OFCC shirts and khaki pants or blue jeans. Simply filling a seat in the Gallery through the entire process makes a serious statement of support, and wearing an OFCC shirt makes it perfectly clear why you're there, and what side you're on.