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.

To believe DeWine is “pro-life” is to believe that life ends at birth. It does not.

Jim Irvine, Chairman
Buckeye Firearms Association
14761 Pearl Road #308
Cleveland OH 44136

Click on 'Read More' for further commentary.