Pro-Gun Punditry: Wednesday's Buckeye State Roundabout

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 a Second Amendment court victory to a surge in gun sales, these articles should be a part of your required reading!

What follows is several days of headlines accompanied by short, concise pro-gun analysis.

5/12/09: 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals: Court Says Shooting Victims Cannot Sue Gun Maker

From the article:

Victims of a deadly 1999 shooting rampage by a white supremacist at a Jewish community center in the San Fernando Valley cannot sue a federally licensed gun manufacturer and a distributor for damages, an appeals court panel ruled Monday.

In a 2-1 ruling, a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found that the gun companies were protected by a law passed by Congress in 2005. The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act protects federally licensed gun makers from civil lawsuits if they follow applicable state and federal laws, the panel ruled.

Manufacturer should NEVER be held responsible for the criminal misuse of their products. Should the victim of a drunk driver be able to sue the Ford, because the drunk was driving a Focus? No. Should a shooting victim be able to sue Sig, because that was the type of gun that the criminal used it to shoot him? No.

5/11/09: Heath, Ohio: Heath Residents Favor Deer Hunting In City

From the article:

The days of deer running through Heath without fear of hunters might come to an end when Ohio’s bowhunting season begins this fall.

When the deer herds become too big in a populated area, it endangers the life of people. Hunting is a safe way to keep the deer population at the proper size.

5/8/09: Monroe County, Ohio: Johnstown Man Shot In Hunting Accident

From the article:

Lt. David Blair was shot in the back and chest area with buckshot by a friend with whom he was turkey hunting on Blair’s property in Morgan County, CFD Battalion Chief David Whiting said.

Accidents like these are easy to avoid.....just obey the basic gun and hunting safety rules.

5/6/09: Walbridge, Ohio: Police Layoffs Drive Gun Sale Surge

From the article:

Before 75 Toledo police officers were cut May 1, Joe Conley, the co-owner of JJ's Guns and Things in Walbridge, said many Toledoans were already concerned about their safety.

It seems that more and more people are learning that you cannot depend on the police to protect you. You have to be able to defend yourself, and a gun is the best way to do that.

5/6/09: Oakland County, Michigan: Police: Teacher Accidentally Shot Student

From the article:

The Washington Township man displayed a .38-caliber Smith and Wesson revolver from a holster and accidentally discharged a bullet.

Also from the article:

The teacher said he thought the gun was loaded with plastic bullets.

An accident like this should NEVER happen. You should NEVER use your loaded gun in the classroom. If using dummy rounds, double check your gun before firing!

5/4/09: College Park, Georgia: College Student Shoots, Kills Home Invader

From the article:

A group of college students said they are lucky to be alive and they’re thanking the quick-thinking of one of their own. Police said a fellow student shot and killed one of two masked me who burst into an apartment.

The college students are alive, because they had a gun and were able to fight back.

4/29/09: Cincinnati, Ohio: Three Antique Guns Bring Six Figures

From the article:

A Winton Place auction house this morning fetched an Ohio record $440,000 for a never-fired 1886 Winchester rifle made for auto magnate John F. Dodge.

Antique guns make great collectors items.