(The following commentary, written by a Buckeye Firearms Association Southwest Ohio volunteer, has been published as a guest editorial in the Cincinnati Enquirer.)

By Jeff Riley

The first shooting occurred in a "gun free zone" at the Westroads Mall in Omaha, Neb. Nebraska allows residents who have passed the state's criteria to carry a concealed handgun for self-defense except in prohibited areas. Nebraska law allows private businesses to prohibit concealed-carry at their business. The Westroads Mall had posted a sign prohibiting legal concealed-carry for self-defense.

The stated purpose is to "create a safe working and shopping environment for employees and customers." Sadly, it provides the illusion of safety while virtually guaranteeing the opposite. Once they've disarmed you, these stores refuse to provide for your protection. No metal detectors, no searches to enforce their "no firearms" policy; most don't even have armed security personnel. Are we to believe that a murderer is going to stop when they see a "no guns allowed" sign?

Click 'Read More' for the entire op-ed.

December 17, 2007
Dayton Daily News

While we can admire Jeanne Assam as a heroine whose actions saved lives, let's keep in mind that, in Ohio, she'd be facing a jail term right about now. In Ohio, taking a gun into a church is generally against the law, even with a conceal-carry permit.

Ohio is effectively a "sitting duck" state: If shots ring out in your church, or in most other public places, your only legal recourse is to run, hide, pray and basically kiss your butt good-bye. Police will almost certainly arrive too late to save you.

It is time to revisit Ohio's insane conceal-carry laws and remove the restrictions. Responsible, armed adult citizens such as Jeanne Assam are not a danger. When you are confronted with a life-threatening situation, she may be the only chance you have of getting out alive.

Siobhan Semmett
Centerville

What follows are excerpts and links to other excellent commentary that have been published in major media throughout the nation in the wake of the foiled attack on New Life Church in Colorado.

An armed hero

By Cal Thomas