By JOSIE McCORMICK
Coshocton Tribune Staff Writer

WARSAW -- Local gun owners enjoying the sunny weather at the Woodbury Shooting Range last week eagerly voiced their opinions about the concealed handgun bill that was recently considered by the House and Senate.

"I am for it, but the ones that are going to carry a gun are going to do it with or without a permit," said Steve Cunningham of Coshocton. "They ought to have a bill passed to get rid of Taft." (emphasis added)

Dan Hunka of Newcomerstown, who was at the shooting range with his daughter Megan, said "I look at crime the way it is and I think a person should have the right to defend themselves," Hunka said. "If people are found not to be a danger from a background check then they should be able to have one. The way things are today a person has to be able to do something. A cop can't be everywhere at all times."

Click here to read the entire story in the Coshocton Tribune.

When legislation gets pulled from a committee schedule or the House and Senate cannot agree on a bill, that usually is the end of the line.

Not so for two issues: hidden guns and video slot machines.

The Legislature recessed for the summer on June 25 without passing a resolution to authorize voters to decide whether to put slots at Ohio racetracks or completing a bill that would allow Ohioans to carry hidden guns.

The slots issue died in the face of growing opposition from Republicans, who didn't want a prescription drug discount plan tied to the proposal.

The concealed weapons bill died after the House refused to agree to Senate changes that led Gov. Bob Taft to support the bill for the first time.

But don't count on either issue to go away.

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

The Springfield News Sun has published an excellent opinion editorial from Champaign County resident Michael Wuest. From statistics to historical experience to political correctness, Wuest covers it all. Below are a couple of favorite exerpts:

Exerpt #1:

"How about those who say they wouldn’t want to sit in the next booth at a restaurant or near someone who is legally carrying a gun? Well, what if I don’t want to sit next to a Catholic? Or a lesbian? Or someone with a beard?

You don’t have a right to choose who sits next to you when you are out in public. And why should you care? And how would you even know?"

Exerpt #2:

"In any given year, you are 72 times more likely to be struck by lighting, anywhere in the country, than be shot by someone with a concealed carry permit."

Click on the "Read More..." link below for the full op-ed from Michael Wuest.