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 black bear attack in Utah to bear sightings in Ohio, these articles should be a part of your required reading!

Click on the "Read More..." link below for several days of headlines accompanied by short, concise pro-gun analysis.

6/18/07: American Fork, Utah: Black Bear Drags Boy From Tent, Kills Him

From the article:

An 11-year-old boy was attacked and killed Sunday night by a black bear as he slept in a tent with his family, police said.

The boy, sleeping alone in a section of the large tent, screamed before he was dragged away in his sleeping bag in a canyon about 30 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, said sheriff's Lt. Dennis Harris.

With stories like this, it makes you wonder why firearms are banned from our national parks.

6/17/07: National: NRA Competitor Gaining Ground

From the article:

Last year at the annual conference of the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA), I caused a little ripple in the Force when I reported on a news event sponsored by the American Hunters & Shooters Association (AHSA), a new group that bills itself as an alternative gun-rights organization with “a real agenda to preserve our Second Amendment.” By ‘alternative,” the group means--and are not shy about saying it--they plan to compete head-on with the four-million-member National Rifle Association.

The American Hunters and Shooters Association IS an anti-gun organization! Their leadership is entirely made up of of people who are well known gun-grabbers and anti-gunners. You can read more about the American Hunters and Shooters here, here, and here.

6/17/07: Cleveland, Ohio: Twins Safe After Taken At Knifepoint

From the article:

Police said Kevin and Brandon Vasquez were taken by their non-cusotdial father at knifepoint at 3:40 a.m. They said the twins were found safe at about noon.

Thankfully, the twins were found alive and unharmed. A firearm may have prevented the kidnapping from taking place.

6/13/07: Cleveland, Ohio: Dozens Of Alleged Cleveland Gang Members Arrested

From the article:

"We are arresting the worst of the worst. The 40 individuals that were indicted have a total of 450 arrests and an astounding 152 felony convictions," said Chris Sadowski of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

YES! This is exactly what the City of Cleveland should be focusing on. Going after REAL criminals instead of law-abiding gun owners!

6/13/07: Alliance, Ohio: Police Raid Alleged Ohio-NYC Weapons Ring

From the article:

An investigation headed by the New York City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosions resulted in the arrests of several people in connection with firearms that were allegedly transported from Alliance, Ohio, to New York City.

Police said at least 53 handguns were purchased by Alliance residents and taken to New York City and sold to people who were legally prohibited from owning or using firearms.

Illegal weapons dealers give all gun owners a bad name and deserve long prison sentences.

6/13/07: Massillon, Ohio: Officials Track Black Bear Wandering In NE Ohio

From the article:

The 125-pound bear is wandering near the Stark-Wayne county line, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Biologists believe the young male bear, approximately 1½ years old, is moving around in a quest to establish his own territory.

Other bears are on the move in northeast Ohio for the same reason and bear populations in Ohio are expected to increase as they expand in neighboring states.

This is just one reason why I'm happy that we were able to pass CCW for hunters!