On Tuesday, May 15, Plain Dealer columnist Phillip Morris published a story detailing State Rep. Michael DeBose's mugging and subsequent conversion experience to a pro-gun point of view.

There appear to be a few Plain Dealer readers who - much like DeBose before that fateful night - have likely never experienced a violent attack, yet think they know better than DeBose about how to survive one.

Following are letters published under the headline "Lawmaker who's packin' doesn't solve a thing".

Sunday, May 20, 2007
Lawmaker who's packin' doesn't solve a thing

Phillip Morris' Tuesday column "Run-in changes lawmaker's stance" misses the mark. Morris recounts how liberal Democratic State Rep. Michael DeBose embraced gun ownership after being attacked by gun-wielding thugs. Yet in the same day's "Nation" briefs, we learn that 48 police officers were intentionally gunned down last year.

Now, it is my understanding that police officers carry weapons, are highly skilled at using them and would be less hesitant to draw their guns when required than would be average citizens, the latter having basically no real experience or training regarding the use of lethal force.

The question is not why more people don't have guns in Dodge City. The question is why so much of America is coming to resemble Dodge City.

The (OSU) Lantern has published an informative article on the Ohio State University Pistol Club, and comments posted by readers prove there is a demand for more of this type of coverage.

From the story:

Gunshots rang out from several .22-caliber pistols during the Ohio State Pistol Club's weekly meeting at the firing range in Converse Hall Thursday evening.

The group exists to promote fundamentals of firearms safety, maintenance and marksmanship and to spread awareness about the importance of responsible gun use, said Evan Peck, president of the organization.

"Really, our mission statement is familiarization and safe handling of firearms of all forms," he said. "I firmly believe that the most dangerous person is someone that picks up a gun and has no idea what to do with it or what it's used for. Or even worse, they don't know how it works. That's how people get hurt."

The article goes on to explain that before anyone is allowed on the range they must undergo training to ensure proper pistol handling. Mark Noble, the club's vice president and a Buckeye Firearms Association Central Ohio volunteer, told The Lantern that a very broad outline of safety expectations can be summed up with three simple rules: always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction, always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot and always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use. These guidelines hang on walls inside the facility.

Click 'Read More' for the entire story.

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 all worthy of mention.

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

From the murder of a new father to a possible Bloomberg presidential run, 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.