By Jim Irvine

Speaker of the House Armond Budish (D-8) has announced the committees for the 128th General Assembly. While the Democratic House leadership is noticeably pro-2nd Amendment, the Ohio Criminal Justice Committee (CJC) is not. This is of concern to gun owners because the CJC has been where gun bills are typically assigned.

After a bill is introduced, it is assigned to one of the committees. The committee members hear testimony, hold meetings with interested parties and work out any problems the original drafting of the bill contained. It is in the committee where terrible amendments are added to good bills (for example, this where the "no CCW permitted if any occupant of the car is under 18" provision was added back in HB12 days) and needed amendments are added to a bill (for example, this is where language improving laws pertaining to transportation of firearms was added in SB184). While it is possible to amend bills on the floor, the reality is that the lion's share of work is done in committee. Generally, a good committee will produce a better bill.

Looking at the House CJC, we see cause for concern.

By John Lott

Guns have figured frequently in "Boston Legal," with Denny Crane (William Shatner) using them defensively from time to time. Recently, in episode 3 of season 5 ("Dances with Wolves"), Denny fired a gun to defend himself from a robber who also had a gun. The robber was not really threatening, and as Denny's friend and fellow partner Alan Shore (James Spader) asked him: "Did you absolutely have to shoot [the robber]? Three times? In both feet?" Obviously the answer to all three questions was, "No."

I don't mind the humor in these shows. In fact, I laugh along with everyone else, but it would be interesting if those on the anti-gun side of this television firm (which is everyone else) would have similar fun poked at their own gun control views. Is it just not possible to think of similar jokes?