More than a week after the first proponent hearing on Sen. Steve Buehrer's Castle Doctrine legislation (SB184), Columbus This Week's Michael J. Maurer has become perhaps only the second writer in the state to bother to inform his readers about that it occurred (we'll be eager to see if the Ohio media are as equally willing to ignore the opponent hearing.)

The article focuses on testimony from Ryan Cundiff of Canton. Ryan and his girlfriend were camping on family property on Sept. 17, 2001. For the second time in the same evening, they were accosted by the same criminal. The final time, the drunken criminal assaulted Ryan physically, and then knocked his girlfriend to the ground, battering her about her head with a paving brick and his fists. She begged for her life while begging Ryan to help her. Ryan is forced to shoot the assailant and to his horror, Ryan, the crime victim, was arrested and charged with felonious assault with gun specifications. He was thrown in jail with the common criminal, all for defending the life of himself and his girlfriend. Ryan was acquitted NINE long months later, but he soon learned his problems were only just beginning.

Click 'Read More' for excerpts from This Week's story.

BELLEVUE, WA – For her remarkable display of heroism and courage under fire, the Second Amendment Foundation announced today that it will recognize Jeanne Assam, who confronted a gunman on Dec. 9 at the New Life Church shooting in Colorado Springs, with the Eleanor Roosevelt Award.

The Roosevelt award was created by SAF founder Alan Gottlieb, co-author of America Fights Back: Armed Self-Defense in a Violent Age. The award honors exceptional women who use firearms in self-defense and the defense of others. The award is named in memory of former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who frequently carried a revolver for personal protection, even while she lived in the White House, and during the times that she campaigned in the South for civil rights.

“Jeanne Assam, an armed private citizen who volunteered to provide security at the New Life Church, was suddenly faced with a deadly emergency and without hesitation, disregarding her own safety, she rose to that challenge,” Gottlieb said. “By confronting a killer, Assam undoubtedly saved many lives.

Click 'Read More' for the entire press release.