Brady Campaign Says Ohio Not Doing Enough To Regulate Guns

Updated: Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008, 1:11 pm -- The Columbus Dispatch has a story on the same Brady report. I particularly like the quote from Jeff Garvas of Ohioans for Concealed Carry. He notes that the "scorecard" the Brady campaign puts together is, in reality, a reflection of how well firearms advocates are doing in protecting the rights of all Ohioans.

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What else is new? The same argument each year. The Brady Campaign (formerly Handgun Control Inc.) says Ohio is among several states not doing enough to combat so-called "gun violence" and "illegal guns."

WBNS10tv in Columbus has the story, as reported by Kevin Landers. You know, 10tv takes its job very seriously and does a good job of showing up at gun protests, but . . . unfortunately the assignment editors, or whoever schedules coverage of news stories and events, apparently juggle such a multitude of stories that reporters from this particular station -- a CBS affiliate -- rarely, if ever, are able to attend proponent testimony on pro-arms related safety legislation. I've never seen a staff so busy. I'm sure the appearance that the station is motivated solely by only one side of one particular issue is merely a coincidence.

As for the Brady's shrill warnings, they are the same arguments trotted out year after year. When I was in journalism school a million years ago, I was taught "if it isn't new, it isn't news." As for the validity of their concerns . . . well, consider the source.

Commentary on the piece:
Lt. Buechner has it right -- and frankly, its refreshing to hear an LEO tell the media you can't start telling people what they can and can't sell. That would mean in the used car biz that a Prius is okay, but a Maserati is unacceptable because it can break the law with its speed (but then so could the Prius). Also, there's that other sticking point . . . cars kill.

As for the gun store owner in Lancaster, I have a real bone to pick with him. According to the news story on 10tv, he advocates a semi-auto handgun with a magazine safety for home defense. This means the gun cannot be fired if the magazine drops out but there still is a round in the chamber. Very dangerous advice, and he should know better. In my personal opinion as an NRA certified firearms instructor, this is one of the WORST firearms to keep for self defense in the home. If you are awakened from a deep sleep to the sound of a break-in, or even are awake and alarmed that someone is breaking into your home, you are going to become adrenalized. As you are loading your sidearm, there is a good chance your nervousness may cause you to drop a loaded magazine, perhaps accidentally kicking it under your couch or bed, rendering your self defense tool as nothing than a big, expensive paperweight.

Magazine safetys were designed with law enforcement in mind, to prevent officers's guns from being used against them. While the gun is useless if the magazine drops out, the officer has extensive self defense training to wrestle the bad guy down. The average citizen does not. A bad, BAD recommendation from the Lancaster gun shop ower.

Frankly, if that's what he keeps for home defense, I wish him well and pray for his safety. Because he's not doing himself any favors.

As for the Brady Campaign, I would advise they take another look at Washington DC, home of some of the strictest gun control in the U.S. The never-ending violent crime there eclipses that of most areas of the nation. Which is why DC residents sued to have the three-decade ban on handguns taken off the books -- finally permitting residents to defend themselves with the tool of their choice, and to send a message to criminals that honest citizens are going to improve safety in the District of Columbia.

And until that ban is lifted, as far as places to live -- I know I am FAR safer in the Buckeye State than in our nation's capital. Which is, in fact, a sad commentary. They should both be safe places.