By Linda Walker

Ohio's Attorney General Jim Petro announced the 2nd quarter statistics today for concealed handgun licenses issued during this past quarter. Ohio continues to gain at a steady pace new licensees, adding 5489 CHL's and 15 emergency licenses to the ranks.

The latest numbers confirm what pro-gun groups claimed before the law went into effect – that concealed carry works, and that concealed carry license holders (CHL’s) are among the most law-abiding groups in our society.

There still have been no “wild west shootouts” or “blood in the streets” caused by out of control license holders or “shootouts at fender-benders” or any of the other mayhem predicted by the anti-gunners. They even (incorrectly) argued that pro-gun groups didn’t want this data released. The truth is we love the data because it provides more proof that we are right.

Clermont County continues its trend of issuing more license than any other county issuing 339 in the second quarter while revoking only one. Every county issued licenses and nineteen (19) counties issued over 100 licenses in the quarter - or more than one per day, including weekends and holidays. On average, counties issued over 62 licenses, or more than one every working day during the quarter.

Here's your chance to meet Speaker Jon Husted, thank him for his work on HB296, HB347, and HB367, and find out about his plans for HB9, HB460, HB508, and HB541, etc.

THE ANNUAL JOHN WAYNE CLAY SHOOT with special guest

Jon Husted, Speaker of the House
Ohio House of Representatives

Saturday, September 30, 2006
8:30 am - 11 am
Black Wing Shooting Center
3722 Marysville Road, Delaware
(3 miles west of Delaware on Rt. 36)

$50.00 includes: 100 targets, free ammunition and lunch. Shotguns available for use. Experienced shooters will be present for assistance.

Proceeds benefit DCRP “Get Out The Vote” efforts.

For reservations and more information contact Ken Hanson by email: khanson at fbylaw.com

By Chris Chumita

There are more stories pertaining to our gun rights in Ohio then we can possibly draw attention to with individual daily commentary. But they are worthy of mention.

What follows is our review of headlines from around the state though a pro-gun rights lens.

From school shootings in Vermont to school shooting sports programs, these articles should be a part of your required reading!

Click on the "Read More..." link below for several days of headlines accompanied by short, concise pro-gun analysis.

By Chad D. Baus

On Saturday, August 26, I had the opportunity to attend a Clay Shoot/ Cookout fundraiser for Republican gubernatorial candidate Ken Blackwell.

The family event was an afternoon filled with the sounds of children laughing and splashing in the backyard pond, friends and neighbors sharing tales of their summer vacation adventures, and the sharp reports from a host of shotguns. About 20 shooters (probably four times that many were present for the cookout) took turns attempting to dust one of the more than 2,000 clay targets that were thrown over a bean field and into a nearby woods.

Secretary of State Blackwell and his wife Rosa broke out a pair of Beretta over-and-under shotguns immediately after arriving, and over the next hour or so both showed they are not only very accomplished trap shooters, but also a fun couple to be around. Blackwell seemed to take as much pleasure in cheering for a young boy, who broke his first target after receiving some instruction from his father, as he enjoyed his own success on the range.

As we leaned over the bed of my friend's pickup and watched others take their turn, I had an opportunity to talk with Mr. Blackwell.

As astute gun owners are already aware, the Associated Press is not typically known for its fair and balanced coverage of self-defense issues. So it will probably come as a surprise that the AP has published a story that shows exactly what all the hard work to pass Ohio's concealed carry law was about...

A woman who was repeatedly raped 23 years ago has learned self-defense and how to shoot a gun should two of her attackers return to her town when they’re paroled Monday.

“If it’s me or them, it’s not going to be me anymore,” said Cathy Lindsey. “I would not hesitate for a minute to protect my life.”

Three men broke into her Middletown home, tied her up and held a gun to her head and raped her repeatedly. They made her beg for her life and for the safety of her children, who were in another room, and forced her to say over and over that she would not tell police.

When they finally left, Lindsey drove to a hospital and ignored the men’s threats to kill her. She identified two attackers, and later picked the third from a police lineup. They had been so bold — or so inept — that they took turns wearing a single pillowcase over their heads, Lindsey said.

All three men denied any involvement, but police found their fingerprints in Lindsey’s apartment and found the gun, pillowcase and clothesline used to bind her hands in the home of Richard Reed Jr., who lived across the street.

Reed, 53, and Robert Hogsten, 49, are being released Monday, after serving all but five years of their sentences on rape convictions. In exchange for their guilty pleas, prosecutors dropped charges of aggravated burglary and aggravated robbery.

...The third man convicted in the attack is Hogsten’s brother, Edward Hogsten, 50. He did not take a plea bargain, was convicted of rape, aggravated burglary and aggravated robbery and was sentenced to 28 to 68 years in prison. He will be eligible for parole in 2011.

The AP reports that Reed’s family expects him to return to the area where Lindsey still lives, because he has a son in nearby Monroe. Lindsey was quoted as saying she dreads the possibility that either man could live near her home in Middletown.

Lindsey and her husband filed for protective orders to be served on Reed and Hogsten before their release, and have applied for [licenses] to carry concealed [handguns].

Click on 'Read More' for further details and commentary.

The New York Post is reporting that NY Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who was recently named on this website as one of the Ten People Who Are Threatening Your Ohio Gun Rights, is refusing to turn over the evidence the city gathered, after sending private investigators into five states to catch gun dealers making illegal sales, to the federal agency that investigates illegal guns.

From the story:

Analysts said the impasse may have slowed the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms in its investigation of and possible action against gun dealers that broke the law.

The city won't turn over the evidence, which includes videotapes of gun dealers allowing so-called straw purchases of guns, until the ATF signs an evidence-sharing agreement that would prohibit the agency from "publicly disclosing evidence without notice and consent from the city," the mayor's criminal justice coordinator, John Feinblatt, said.

The inability of the two sides to come to an agreement is due in part to what the ATF perceived as the mayor's infringement on its jurisdiction, analysts and law enforcement sources said.

There is another reason for which the city could be reluctant to turn over this evidence - one which is not mentioned in the story.

During the course of the “investigation,” Bloomberg’s investigators may have committed felonies by lying on BATFE Form 4473. It is also being reported that Bloomberg’s actions may have interfered with "on-going investigations" by the BATFE.

Michael Bloomberg may be the Mayor of New York City, but he still has a profound affect on our Ohio gun rights. In an attempt to spread his restrictive New York City gun laws all over the country, Bloomberg has hosted two anti-gun summits with other big city mayors. You can read more about the summits here and here.

The Second Amendment Foundation has spoken out on this news. Click on 'Read More' for an SAF press release, which calls upon Attorney General Alberto Gonzales to prosecute New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg for obstruction of justice.

It it apparent greater-Cincinnatians have a better understanding of the responsibility of law-abiding citizens and the nature of criminals than Miami Twp. Trustee Ken Tracy does...

August 27, 2006
Cincinnati Enquirer

Miami Township Trustee Ken Tracy bemoans the fact that Ohio citizens who have passed a background check, demonstrated a high level of proficiency, and met state-established criteria can carry concealed a weapon into township parks. He asserts "citizens have the right to protect our children" and "where has this left us, especially those who are elected to protect residents and children?"

Those are good points. Does that mean Tracy will be present in every Miami Township park during all operational times to provide that protection? I've spent hours at the community park on Buckwheat Road with my daughter and never seen a township patrol car there. Isn't it possible that the mother or father legally carrying a firearm is doing just that - protecting themselves and their children?

A firearm in the hands of a responsible owner is not a threat.

Mike Perry
Milford

Click on 'Read More' for several more great letters...

By Jim Irvine
Recently the Dayton Daily News (DDN) printed an editorial touting the reasons why, “Ohioans can be proud of DeWine.” It said in part:

He represents the social values that are important to Ohioans, having maintained a 100 percent pro-life voting record.

At a time when the public's belief in government is at an all-time low, Mike DeWine is an elected official Ohio can be proud of. He deserves our support in November.

I submitted the following response, which the DDN chose not to print.

I disagree with Friday’s editorial (Ohioans can be proud of DeWine, by Peggy Lehner) claiming Mike DeWine has, “a 100 percent pro-life voting record.” He may have a great anti-abortion record, but DeWine has a terrible record defending life after birth. The best means of self-defense, especially for women and the elderly is a firearm. DeWine has worked hard to insure thugs, rapists, and murders do not need to fear a victim able to defend themselves.

By Dean Rieck

Anti-gun activists will undoubtedly pounce on the tragic shooting in Worthington, Ohio, and claim that it is proof that no one can be trusted with a gun. This is to be expected since such incidents are so rare and anti-gun arguments so flimsy. They have to latch onto anything and everything.

But most people will recognize this tragedy for what it is: simply an irresponsible person committing a crime.

The incident began innocently enough as a prank. According to media reports, five high-school girls drove to 141 Sharon Springs Drive, a supposedly “haunted” house beside a cemetery. It was sometime around 10 p.m. on August 22. Three of the girls got out of the car and approached the house through a tangle of weeds and bushes.

One of the girls in the car honked the horn, scaring the three girls on foot. The three ran back to the car while they heard what sounded like firecrackers, but which were actually gun shots. The girls drove around the block, passing the house again. It was then that a 17-year-old high school girl was shot twice, in the upper body and head. She is in critical condition.

Click on 'Read More' to continue reading.

By Jim Irvine

There has been a fair amount of media coverage about Allen Davis, who shot a teenager in the head late Wednesday evening. She was in critical condition from the gun shot wound.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the high school girl in hopes that she makes a full recovery.

This case does not appear to have anything to do with concealed carry or a license holder. The shooter reportedly used a rifle and shot from inside his house at a car in the street. While the anti-gun crowd will use this case to argue against HB541, a “castle doctrine” or “stand your ground” bill, it would have no bearing on this case.

HB541 defined times when someone may use deadly force. It allows for deadly force for a home invasion, but there have been no allegations that ever happened in this case.

HB541 also removes the “duty to retreat” before using deadly force when in a place you are legally entitled to be. (i.e. not trespassing) But it does not remove the requirement that you must reasonably be in eminent danger of death or great bodily harm. According to news reports, that was not the case.

Click on 'Read More' to continue reading.