It really is ok to be liberal and support individual gun rights

By John Salyers

Yes, really. Democrats throughout Ohio and across the country would be well advised to take a closer look at elected officials like Ohio's Governor Ted Strickland and U.S Congressman Zack Space. These gentlemen are both true to the Democrat party and yet are unwavering in their support of protecting our individual right to bear arms. And believe it or not folks, it's working for them.

These guys just plain get it, and all indicators thus far have shown that they sincerely believe the Second Amendment is part of the same Constitution they have sworn to support and defend. A quick search of this website shows several instances where they are clearly "sticking to their guns" on the issue.

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio gubernatorial candidate Congressman Ted Strickland today offered the following statement on the Ohio Senate’s failure to act on HB 347, legislation to strengthen protections for Ohio’s gun owners, before retiring for summer recess.

“Ohio’s GOP leadership has demonstrated that they are unwilling to act on important legislation to strengthen protections for Ohio’s gun owners.

The improvements needed to Ohio’s current concealed carry law outlined in HB347 have bipartisan support from both Democratic and Republican legislators in the Ohio House of Representatives. But the Republican-controlled senate has stalled this very important bill indefinitely.

As governor, I would support passage of this bill in its entirety and would sign HB347 into law the moment it hit my desk. I urge the legislature to stop the delay and pass this legislation as soon as possible.”

The Ohio House has passed a bill that would nullify the assault- weapons ban approved by Columbus City Council last year. Would you sign it? Strickland: "Yes, I would sign that because I believe that there is a constitutional issue here. I believe that law-abiding people have a right that is granted to them under the constitution.

And on a more practical level, I believe uniformity in a state's laws regulating the ownership and use of firearms is much desirable over a patchwork of laws that could occur throughout a state as big and as diverse as Ohio."

There are several other instances of Governor Strickland's public pro-second amendment support from last year's campaign to present and it seems he is itching to right the wrongs of many years of flawed legislation and the utter trampling of our rights here in Ohio. Perhaps one day the GOP legislature (many of whom claim the same unwavering convictions on gun rights) will finally get the many issues before them to his desk for that signature.

Congressman Zack Space has proven to be a true Second Amendment warrior in his first term. From his website:

Washington, D.C. -- Standing up for the rights of gun owners, [Democrat] Congressman Zack Space (OH-18) today announced the introduction of the Comprehensive Firearms Reform Act of 2007. Space’s legislation would strike a blow against the excessive infringement of Second Amendment rights at the hands of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE).

This bill makes corrections to the BATFE’s jurisdiction to help ensure that overzealous bureaucrats can’t go after gun purchasers. BATFE regulations now are so restrictive that if a person writes “y” instead of “yes” on a gun purchase form, the application is frequently rejected.

Space’s bill also permanently repeals a federal gun tax that can be imposed when a purchaser goes through a background check.

“As a sportsman and member of the NRA, I know what it means to be a responsible gun owner,” Space said. “I am a strong advocate of responsible, legal gun ownership, and this legislation will make sure that we do not hinder the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens while working to keep guns out of the hands of criminals.”

“We can and will make it more difficult for criminals to get their hands on guns while making sure we protect the civil rights of Americans.”

Congressman Joins Amicus Curiae Brief Urging Supreme Court to Overturn Washington, DC Gun Ban

WASHINGTON, DC - As a gun owner and NRA member, Congressman Zack Space (OH-18) today signed an amicus brief encouraging the Supreme Court to overturn Washington, DC’s gun ban. One of the strictest in the nation, DC prohibits virtually all firearms.

“The Supreme Court has the opportunity to right a wrong by reaffirming our Constitutional right to own a firearm,” Space said. “In my mind, and in the minds of the residents of Ohio’s 18th Congressional District, the Second Amendment is absolute, and this court decision has the potential to put this issue to rest.”

“The right to own a gun is a fundamental right provided by our Constitution. The Supreme Court should uphold the Second Amendment, as it was written in black and white – and not yield to the misinterpretations that have compromised the rights of gun owners for decades. I will continue to do whatever I can to stand up for the rights of law-abiding citizens, and prevent restrictive government intrusion into our personal freedoms,” Space continued.

Rep. Space joins several other Democrats proudly endorsed by Buckeye Firearms Association in their run at the primary tomorrow. We sincerely hope others who find themselves on the left side of the aisle will come to realize that it is truly ok to support individual rights and still be a liberal. Really...