Although we've tangled a bit with certain journalists from time to time, our experience is that most in the profession strive for accuracy. So is it just us, or does the sloppy use of the word "permit" and "weapon" by Ohio's media to describe an Ohio Concealed Handgun License make them appear more than a little ignorant?

In many recent articles, journalists have referred to a license issued under Ohio Revised Code 2923.16 as a “permit” to carry a concealed “weapon.”

The correct term is a Concealed Handgun License (CHL), with emphasis on the words “Handgun” and “License”.

There is absolutely no such thing as a permit to carry a concealed weapon in the State of Ohio.

Ohio law defines “weapons” to include many other devices that can be used for self-defense.

Ohio’s Concealed Handgun License only allows the licensee to carry a handgun, which is defined as a firearm designed to be held by one hand.

Nowhere in the Ohio Revised Code is there such a thing as a “permit” to carry a
“weapon” in the State of Ohio. A “permit” is usually issued for such temporary
purposes as building a deck, pouring a driveway, or the temporary learner’s
permit for student drivers. Licensees are expected to adhere to a higher
standard.

While some may find this to be a trivial argument, Ohioans For Concealed Carry
believes the distinction is very important.

Since we believe it is journalists' intent to be accurate, Ohioans For Concealed Carry has prepared a letter in an effort to help clarify this undisputable fact about Ohio’s
concealed carry law.

The next time you read a story containing these mistakes, please feel free to download the letter (.pdf file) and distribute it to the responsible party.

Canton Repository

CANTON — Public defender Richard Drake has a new reason to brag around the Stark County Courthouse.

It’s not a recent acquittal or a high-profile client.

It’s a small laminated card — similar to a driver’s license — that allows him to now carry a concealed handgun. Since he received the permit May 7, Drake has shown it proudly, claiming it is the first license issued in the county.

“I never would own a handgun unless I could carry it,” Drake said.

His is one of the 179 permits issued to date by the Stark County sheriff’s office, Maj. Rick Perez said. The office doesn’t keep track of which permit was issued first.

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

June 02, 2004
Columbus Dispatch

I enjoyed reading The Dispatch’s provocative comments regarding restricting concealed carry in public parks ("Promote peace in parks," editorial, May 24). I’m in favor of the idea, but the newspaper’s supporting arguments make a rather poor case.

I’m glad The Dispatch acknowledges that concealed carry laws require the citizen to be law-abiding and pass a background check, but does the newspaper have any statistics to back up the prediction that shootouts amongst these law-abiding citizens will erupt over soccer games or couples quarreling at picnics?

If safety in public places is the goal, shouldn’t the emphasis be placed on an increased police presence at these public parks to protect citizens from those who would carry weapons, regardless of the law, i.e. criminals? After all, will any city be willing to pay wrongfuldeath claims if, after disarming its citizenry, it fails to adequately protect them?

Also, is the editorial board aware that its cited claim of a "vast majority" of people killed by guns by someone they know has been long discredited by better sources of crime statistics, such as the U.S. Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Statistics?

Editorial writers should be wary of taking statistical "proof" from a gun-banning group, such as the Violence Policy Center. That is, of course, if informed commentary is at all important.

GARY R. WOOD
Carroll

Commentary:
Bad news for Mr. Wood, who admittedly supports efforts to restrict concealed carry in parks. The Dispatch didn't include the evidence he wishes they would have because THERE ISN'T ANY.

OFCC believes it is incumbent upon anti-gun mayors and legislators to find evidence that there is reason to reform the law. It is incumbent upon those who would support such a bill to offer proof that concealed handgun license-holders are causing problems in other states' city parks. It is their turn to prove there is a problem which needs fixing. Supporters of concealed carry/ self-defense reform have been proving it for years.

Related Stories:
Columbus Dispatch finally finds ''CCW legislation'' it likes, and it's D.O.A.

Big-city Mayors uniting against Ohio's CCW law (buried in a story about their support for John Kerry)

Gun ban extremists to offer first concealed carry ''corrections'' bill?

Park flasher problem highlights needs for armed self-protection in parks

Columbus Dispatch: 140+ years of anti-self-defense rhetoric

June 1, 2004
Toledo Blade

Toledo police were investigating a report of a kidnapping and aggravated robbery of a woman from the Kroger parking lot at 833 West Alexis Rd.

A 22-year-old woman told police she was in the parking lot at 8:45 p.m. Sunday when a man tapped on her window and told her she had a flat tire, according to police reports.

When she got out of her car, he told her he had a gun and to get back in her car, which he then drove to an ATM machine and demanded she withdraw money, police said.

Her attempts to withdraw money were unsuccessful, police said. She then gave him her credit card in exchange for being allowed to call her father, who she said would give the man money, according to reports.

The man turned north off Alexis onto Glenn, and the woman jumped out of the car at a stop sign, police said. She told police the man tried to run her over before fleeing.

Police said the man may be the same person who put a gun to another woman's back and threatened to kill her when she went to her car in a parking lot at 309 West Alexis about 11:30 p.m. May 22.

The man was described as white, between 5 feet, 8 inches and 5 feet, 10 inches tall, 140-150 pounds, in his late 40s or early 50s, with light brown, curly, collar-length hair, wearing a white T-shirt, dark green or black windbreaker, and blue jeans. He also had a dark cap.

Related Stories:
70-year old woman assaulted/ carjacked in ''No-Weapons'' Kroger parking lot

Dear Kroger...

Kroger digs in for a fight