Letter to Legislators: Ohio State Highway Patrol and Constitutional Rights

We are copied on literally hundreds of pro-CCW letters as they are sent to editors, legislators, etc. Some eventually make it into print, and some do not.

Occasionally, a letter will rise to the top, always because it is well-written, but often too because it is taking a new tack on current subject. The following letter, which was sent by it's writer to every member of the General Assembly, as well as Governor Taft, is such a piece.

Click on the "Read More... link below to read the letter.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Ohio State Highway Patrol and Constitutional Rights
To: Members of General Assembly, Governor Taft
Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2003 13:07:23 -0500
From: Bennett, Marshall

As the members of the House and Senate conference committee prepare to meet to reconcile differences in the concealed carry bills adopted by the House and Senate, I hope they will consider an article appearing in the Toledo Blade last Friday. The following is a link to the article on the web site of The Toledo Blade:

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20031107/NEWS16/1
1107
0143/-1/ARCHIVES30_

The article reports on how an Ohio State Highway patrolman ejected Toledo City Councilman Pete Gerken from the Government Building here in Toledo because the patrolman did not believe that Councilman Gerken should be conducting a press conference opposed to the Patriot Act in the lobby of the Government Building.

The conduct of the patrolman demonstrates precisely why we don't permit a police force to dictate public policy. Their focus is narrow and self interested, and often pays little, if any, regard to the rights of the citizens they are sworn to protect.

In Councilman Gerken's case, they tread upon his right to free speech and to represent his constituents. With regard to concealed carry legislation, they tread upon the right of every Ohio to protect themselves by safe, concealed carry of firearms.

Don't let the political leadership of the Ohio State Highway Patrol dictate what the people of Ohio will and will not be permitted to do. Reject their dangerous, self serving demands, and adopt concealed carry legislation consistent with the House bill.

Very truly yours,

Marshall A. Bennett, Jr.
Sylvania, Ohio