Editor's Note: The following op-ed is written in response to this Dayton Daily News story entitled "Officials decry gun law, home-rule threat"

By Larry S. Moore

Mayor McLin and other big-city Ohio mayors are experiencing angst over the recent over ride of Governor Taft’s veto of HB 347. They are spewing forth venom at the legislators and gun owners while spreading dis-information to the public. The big city liberal media outlets are willing accomplices in the effort.

The truth is something entirely different. If the Mayors would simply take a deep breath, get their shorts (or panties as the case may be) out of a wad, and exercise some rare examples of common sense, they might actually be able to address crime rather than foisting feel-good-do-nothing legislation on the unsuspecting masses. Yes, that’s right, their precious “assault weapon laws” were nothing but feel-good-do-nothing legislation. Mayor McLin, exactly when did the Dayton law go into effect and how many cases have been successfully prosecuted?

I first read HB347 sometime about September 2005. The preemption language, very similar to the final version, was in the bill at that time. If the Mayors or the media are surprised, it is only because they were not paying attention.

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By Linda Walker

Dec. 8, 2004 is a date that is emblazoned, in the minds of many central Ohio individuals, as the night that the Alrosa Villa nightclub came under attack by a deranged man by the name of Nathan Gale. Several people died that night as the metal band Damageplan took to the stage. Gale had stalked Daryl "Dimebag" Abbott for several months, supposedly because he was upset that Abbott's previous band Pantera had broken up. Abbott was shot point blank by Gale, as were several other patrons and members of Damageplan.

In the audience that infamous night were two of Buckeye Firearms Association's Columbus volunteers - Roger and Tiffany Caron. The Caron's, both concealed handgun licensee's, were front and center when the shooting began. But, because of Ohio's ban on concealed carry where alcohol is being served, they were unarmed, and forced to stand by helplessly.

Even though Roger had not had a drink that night, state law prevented Roger, who as a CHL-holder is among the most law-abiding citizens, the right to defend himself when completely sober! I ask, is there a difference between Bob Evans, where I can legally carry my firearm and Applebee's where I am banned from carrying my firearm, if I am not drinking? The delusion remains, that evil will happen at Applebee's should I dare to carry my firearm across their threshold.