By Chad D. Baus

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported last week that the newspaper's metro columnist Regina Brett was one of three finalists for the 2008 Pulitzer Prize in Commentary. After the death of a teen-aged armed robber who attacked a concealed handgun license (CHL)-holder, and in response to community outrage insanely focused against the robber's victim for protecting himself, Brett wrote a series of columns that explored inner-city violence, poverty and hopelessness among black teenagers and young men.

On May 8, 2007, I wrote a response to Brett's second column, and titled it "It's time for another Plain Dealer Pulitzer: Self-defense commentary continues". I am pleased to hear that Brett's excellent writing was indeed nominated for this journalistic prize.

The House Criminal Justice Committee, chaired by Rep. John White (R-38), will hear proponent testimony on Rep. Bruce Goodwin's HB450, legislation that would restore gun rights to members of the armed services or the Ohio National Guard who are between the ages of 18 and 21, on Thursday, April 17 at 9:30 a.m. in Statehouse Room 121.

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