The Findlay Courier recently printed an excellent editorial calling for passage of HB12, and exploring the failure of some of the nation's toughest gun control laws to reduce violent crime or murder in California.

This April 30 editorial, and the facts it presents, should be given new attention in light of the claims being made by anti-self-defense extremists as they seek to exploit the Case Western Reserve University tragedy.

"It was reported this past weekend that California's crime and murder rates jumped nearly 11 percent in 2002.

Gang violence and the poor economy are being blamed, and both are almost certainly factors in the increase.

The statistic is rather sad, because it was only in 1999 that California reported its largest ever one-year drop in major crimes -- 14.9 percent.

That was the same year Gov. Gray Davis signed some of the toughest gun-control laws in the country. One of the laws outlawed the sale, manufacture or import of the cheap handguns commonly called "Saturday night specials." Another law limited handgun purchases to one per person per month and required safety locks on all weapons sold. Strict safety standards and testing for handguns were required. Additional regulations also were put on gun shows, where it's believed that criminals often purchase their weapons.

An Oct. 23, 1999 story in the Washington Post, reported that "In polls, California voters are showing significant new confidence in the effectiveness of tougher gun regulations. Statewide, nearly two-thirds of them say they support stronger laws and believe they will reduce violence."

What would those same people say now? Very likely they'd favor passing yet more laws. Because people who believe gun control works have yet to face reality. (emphasis added)

Wishful thinking won't create a safe society. But tough laws that put criminals in prison and allow people to defend themselves will certainly help."

Click here for the entire Findlay Courier editorial.

Ohioans For Concealed Carry has issued a statement concerning the tragic events at Case Western Reserve University this past Friday, and in response to those who are attempting to exploit these victims for political gain.

Click on the "Read More..." link below for the entire statement.

A former appellate judge defeated three years ago in one of the Ohio Supreme Court's most expensive and bitter elections was appointed to the court Monday by Gov. Bob Taft.

Terrence O'Donnell, 57, a Republican, replaces Justice Deborah Cook, 51, who was confirmed last week for a seat on the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati.

O'Donnell has worked as a visiting judge in several Ohio counties since dropping out of a race for another term on the 8th Ohio District Court of Appeals in February. O'Donnell said he wanted to concentrate on a run for the Supreme Court in 2004.

That race would have been for a seat being vacated by retiring Justice Francis Sweeney, a Cleveland Democrat.

O'Donnell "is experienced, firm and fair," Taft said. "He respects the law but also the rights of those who come before the court."

O'Donnell is to be sworn in May 19. He promised Monday to be impartial and judge every case on its merits, "without any preconceived ideas about its outcome."

O'Donnell will likely join a conservative majority that was solidified with last November’s election. He must run next year for the post he was just appointed to, and the winner must run again in 2006, when Cook's term expires. Four high courts seats will be up for election in 2004.

Click here for the full story from the Associated Press.

Click here for facts about newly-appointed Justice Terrence O'Donnell.

For a photo and accompanying story from the Columbus Dispatch (published Saturday on speculation O'Donnell was about to be chosen, click here (subscription site - paid access only).