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 shots fired in a gun free zone to CCW permits being revoked in Orange County, CA these articles should be a part of your required reading!

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

11/7/08: Bowling Green, Ohio: BGSU Campus Secure After Shots Fired

From the article:

Officials report that shots were fired on the campus of Bowling Green State University Friday morning.

How can a shooting happen on a college campus in Ohio? They are gun free zones. Oh, yea.....criminals do not follow the law!

11/4/08: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Black Panthers Reportedly Intimidate Voters

From the article:

The poll watcher did speculate that the men's intention was to intimidate voters and that their motive was racial.

"So as I came back outside to see, the (man with the) nightstick turns around and says, 'We're tired of white supremacy.' And starts tapping the nightstick in his hand," said the poll watcher.

Most polling places are gun free zones, because they are often in schools and churches. The only thing that happens is that people are deprived of their rights while voting and are unable to protect themselves. This situation could have easily escalated to the point that someone had to defend themself.

11/3/08: Trotwood, Ohio:Surveillance Photos Of Bank Robber Released

From the article:

Police said the man in this picture robbed the Fifth-Third Bank branch at the corner of Shiloh Springs and Salem Ave. Monday afternoon.

Yet another robbery at the criminal enpowerment zone known as Fifth Third Bank.

10/29/08: Green Township, Ohio: Ohio Girl Dragged From House, Sexually Assaulted

From the article:

A Green Township neighborhood is on high alert after an intruder broke into a house and sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl.

Police said she was dragged from her house and sexually assaulted in her back yard.

Another violent incident is a "safe" community. Our prayers go out to the young victim and her family.

10/29/08: New York City, New York: Party City To Pay $500K For Toy Guns

In April, the DCA charged Rockaway, N.J.-based Party City with nearly 800 counts of violating a city law that prohibits the sale of imitation firearms that can be “reasonably perceived” to be actual guns. Under that law, the majority of the exterior surface of any toy gun must be brightly colored.

In addition to the fine, which can reach $1,000 for each gun found, Party City will pay for an independent monitor to perform unannounced weekly inspections at the retailer’s 10 New York City locations.

This is just stupid and another example of New York City's anti-gun bias.

10/28/08: Cleveland, Ohio: Employee Shot During Pizza Shop Robbery

From the article:

Police said two armed men wearing masks robbed the Little Caesar's Pizza on Harvard Avenue at about 12:10 p.m. An employee was shot in the hand during the robbery and ran to Dave's Supermarket for help.

More violence rocks the city that has declared war on law-abiding gun owners instead of targeting real criminals.

10/27/08: Cleveland, Ohio: Police: Man Shot Attempting To Rob Pet Store

From the article:

Police said the owner of Cleveland Aviary, located on Bosworth and Thrush avenues on Cleveland's west side, shot and killed the robber with a handgun.

Thankfully, the victim was armed and able to defend himself.

10/26/08: Rootstown, Ohio: Local Hunter Found Dead In Tangled Harness

From the article:

Crews searched for him in the woods where he planned to hunt. They found him hanging from a tree post tangled in his harness just after midnight.

Our prayers go out to the hunter's family and friends. For safety reasons, remember to always hunt in pairs or small groups.

10/23/08: Bay Village, Ohio: Jogger Uses Pepper Spray To Escape Driver

From the article:

A woman jogging in Bay Village Wednesday night used pepper spray on a man who tried to grab her.

Thankfully, the woman was prepared and was able to fight back. This incident helps prove that fact that you have to be prepared to defend yourself no matter what city you are in, even in affluent "safe" cities like Bay Village. Always carry a tool to defend yourself like pepper spray or a firearm. It should be noted that a firearm is the best tool that is currently available for self-defense.

10/22/08: Sagamore Hills, Ohio: Police: Purse-Snatcher Fires Shots, Leads Officers On Chase

From the article:

Police said the victim was putting groceries in her trunk when the suspect came up behind her and tried to take her purse.

When the victim didn't let go, the suspect struck her in the face and she fell to the ground, police said. At some point during the altercation, two shots were fired from the suspect's weapon, police said.

Thankfully, the victim was not seriously injured. Unfortunately, violent incidents like this may start occurring more often in "safe" neighborhoods like Sagamore Hills due to the economy. That is why people should always be prepared to defend themselves. In this case, a firearm would have been a great equalizer for the elderly victim.

10/21/08: Akron, Ohio: Akron Police Investigate Shooting

From the article:

A 29-year-old Akron man was shot Monday night while standing on a friend's porch.

This incident shows why you should always keep your gun with you, even if you are just sitting on your porch.

10/14/08: Cleveland, Ohio: Attempted Robbery At KFC Leaves Two Shot, Three Arrested

From the article:

Police said that three men tried to rob the KFC and were confronted by an armed security guard. One of the suspects shot a woman in the foot. The security guard then shot one suspect in the hand.

More violence rocks the city of Cleveland. Thankfully, someone was armed and was able to defend the intended victims.

10/9/08: Orange County, California: Sheriff Begins Taking Away Concealed Weapons Permits

From the article:

The Sheriff's Department has begun the process of revoking hundreds of concealed weapon permits across Orange County.

This week, department officials confirmed that 146 letters have been sent out advising current license holders that their permits to carry firearms in public – called CCWs – are being revoked. There are currently 1,024 permit holders.

This is an outrage. Hopefully, the people of Orange County will make their voices heard and fire the sheriff. This incident also shows the dangers of needing a CCW permit to carry, and why we should all be working on Vermont style concealed carry laws.