Do Gun Control Laws in Ohio Go Too Far Or Not Far Enough?
The debate has heated up in the days after the school shooting in Connecticut.
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What do you think about the gun laws in Ohio—are they not strict enough or do restrictions need to be scaled back?
It’s a question that has recently taken on more weight in the days following the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, as well as the NRA's reaction in which they called for armed security in schools.
During his speech, NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre said that "the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun."
Ohio’s gun laws have been becoming more lenient in recent years, the Columbus Dispatch reports, pointing to a variety of new laws. That includes one passed in 2011 to allow concealed-carry weapons in bars.
And it’s likely that the restrictions will loosen even further soon. Gov. John Kasich is expected to sign House Bill 495, NewsNet5.com reports.
According to the most recent bill analysis, the bill would loosen reciprocity agreements with other states regarding concealed-carry permits, eliminate a requirement that applicants must submit certificates of competency for renewal and allow concealed-carry weapons in the parking garages at the State Capitol Building and the Riffe Center for Government and the Arts in Columbus.
Update: House Bill 495 has passed without any change to reciprocity agreements.
While we welcome comments, I would preemptively ask that you be respectful of those with different opinions.
I know this is a contentious issue. However, one can make a point without making an enemy.
Robert Fultz
9:02 am on Friday, December 28, 2012
There is no problem with gun control laws. It is the lack of enforcement and to lenient treatment for offenders.
The super term used by the gun haters, assault rifle has no real meaning it is a term used to stirrup fear of the unknown. There bill to outlaw them is a sham to confuse people and divert there attention away from there true intent to disarm the general population and remove the seconded amendment from the bill of rights. Then we can become just like England disarmed and defenseless.
DieterMG
9:07 am on Friday, December 28, 2012
The missing question in this poll is:
Do you think mass shootings can be reduced by a balanced approach that maintains the right of gun ownership for responsible Ohio residents but limits assault weapons, high capacity clips, military style weapons, closes the loopholes so that every person acquiring a gun, new or used, has to undergo a thorough check even at gun shows, severely punish BUI (Bearing arms Under Influence of substances) and a broader change in culture (i.e. violent video games, handling of violence in schools etc.)?
I would have answered: YES.
Jason Lea
9:43 am on Friday, December 28, 2012
Dieter, I appreciate your thoughtfulness. I admit that polls like this tend to oversimplify complicated issues. The ultimate goal is to stimulate thoughtful conversation on an important subject and I appreciate your participation.
Ken Overly
12:43 pm on Friday, December 28, 2012
Adam Lanza did not exploit a legal loophole to obtain the weapons he used in his atrocity. It has been reported that he attempted to purchase a gun a few days prior but was denied. He then resorted to other means to obtain weapons. James Holmes legally purchased his weapons months in advance. There is no law which can be enacted that will prevent a determined criminal from acquiring a weapon they should not possess. Criminals (and terrorists for that matter) will always adapt and change tactics to carry out their evil. At one time airline passengers huddled in fear in their seats when a hijacking took place. The recommended course of action was to meet hijacker's demands and negotiate a safe release of passengers. September 11 changed all that and passengers no longer sit idly and allow a hijacker to carry out their plan unimpeded. The same will likely hold true for mass shootings. Events such as Newtown, CT will become the tipping point where people no longer accept the present way of doing things and will adapt and fight back against the evil they are faced with.
Ken Overly
11:59 am on Friday, December 28, 2012
The information cited in this article is outdated. Governor Kasich signed HB495 into law on December 20th. Additionally the link to the bill analysis is also outdated. The provision to loosen reciprocity agreements was removed from the bill as a compromise to allow the bill to move forward to a floor vote. The bill passed without any change to reciprocity.
Jason Lea
12:17 pm on Friday, December 28, 2012
Thank you for the update, Ken.
Stig
2:33 pm on Friday, December 28, 2012
I see where two ROCKET LAUNCHERS(!) were turned in at a gun collection for food campaign in L.A.. Just when you think you are "able to protect your family" with your AR-15, a dude shows up in your house with this. If this doesn't underscore why gun laws and amo regulations need to be revisited in this country, I don;'t know what does.
Ken Overly
12:49 pm on Sunday, December 30, 2012
Rather than sensationalizing it (ROCKET LAUNCHERS(!)) look at the facts of the situation. The items were turned in by family members of personnel who were at one time in the military. They were non-functional and according to the police chief did not pose any danger indicating "they were 'stripped-down shells' without the technical parts needed to discharge a projectile. 'They don't have capability to discharge anything anymore,'". It was likely these were stolen from the military, which is probably against the law already, correct? So, NO, it doesn't underscore the need to revisit gun laws and ammo regulations. Nice try though.