This is some days old, but I haven't seen it posted anywhere. I like that first paragraph.
http://www.cincypost.com/opinion/edita041500.html
Editorial:
Passion prevailed in gun debate
Politicians who've witnessed the recent experiences of Gov. Bob Taft will likely think twice before taking up the cause of gun control.
Taft, who promised in his election campaign to push for a law requiring Ohioans to lock their guns out of reach of children, became the target of criticism from all sides of the issue.
The initial promise, of course, drew fire from the National Rifle Association and other groups who believe almost any type of gun law intrudes on the Second Amendment right to own firearms.
Then gun-control advocates questioned Taft's dedication to the cause after he struggled to find legislative sponsors for the proposal. They were appeased when bills were introduced late last year, but the legislation soon stalled in a House committee. Once again, advocates lashed out at the governor, accusing him of failing to provide strong leadership on the issue.
In the end, Taft put his credibility on the line on behalf of a safe-storage law, even going so far as defending it in testimony before the House Criminal Justice Committee.
But it wasn't enough. This week, House leaders declared Taft's ''safe storage'' bill dead . Pundits have labeled it a major setback for the governor.
Both the legislation's failure and the governor's miserable ordeal in association with it are unfortunate.
First, it is worthwhile public policy to hold gun owners criminally responsible for allowing unsupervised children access to loaded guns. Safe-storage laws can save lives. Other states with such laws have seen a 23-percent decrease in accidental gun deaths among children, Taft told the committee.
Granted, the mere existence of a gun safety law wouldn't keep weapons out of the hands of all children. But it would underscore the importance of safety precautions - and that could help change attitudes among gun owners about the need for keeping their guns locked up.
Secondly, the bill's failure indicates that making a distinction between promoting gun safety and the constitutional right to bear arms is almost politically impossible in Ohio.
Taft tried to make the case that this legislation was not about gun control but ''storing firearms responsibly and protecting children.'' But the gun lobby refused to see it as anything other than a first step toward taking away their weapons.
In defeat, the governor promised to remain the champion of a ''reasonable, common-sense safe-storage law.''
We hope so. We also hope he's more aggressive the next time he tries to enact such legislation. Maybe then he'll have more success.
------------------
The New World Order has a Third Reich odor.
http://www.cincypost.com/opinion/edita041500.html
Editorial:
Passion prevailed in gun debate
Politicians who've witnessed the recent experiences of Gov. Bob Taft will likely think twice before taking up the cause of gun control.
Taft, who promised in his election campaign to push for a law requiring Ohioans to lock their guns out of reach of children, became the target of criticism from all sides of the issue.
The initial promise, of course, drew fire from the National Rifle Association and other groups who believe almost any type of gun law intrudes on the Second Amendment right to own firearms.
Then gun-control advocates questioned Taft's dedication to the cause after he struggled to find legislative sponsors for the proposal. They were appeased when bills were introduced late last year, but the legislation soon stalled in a House committee. Once again, advocates lashed out at the governor, accusing him of failing to provide strong leadership on the issue.
In the end, Taft put his credibility on the line on behalf of a safe-storage law, even going so far as defending it in testimony before the House Criminal Justice Committee.
But it wasn't enough. This week, House leaders declared Taft's ''safe storage'' bill dead . Pundits have labeled it a major setback for the governor.
Both the legislation's failure and the governor's miserable ordeal in association with it are unfortunate.
First, it is worthwhile public policy to hold gun owners criminally responsible for allowing unsupervised children access to loaded guns. Safe-storage laws can save lives. Other states with such laws have seen a 23-percent decrease in accidental gun deaths among children, Taft told the committee.
Granted, the mere existence of a gun safety law wouldn't keep weapons out of the hands of all children. But it would underscore the importance of safety precautions - and that could help change attitudes among gun owners about the need for keeping their guns locked up.
Secondly, the bill's failure indicates that making a distinction between promoting gun safety and the constitutional right to bear arms is almost politically impossible in Ohio.
Taft tried to make the case that this legislation was not about gun control but ''storing firearms responsibly and protecting children.'' But the gun lobby refused to see it as anything other than a first step toward taking away their weapons.
In defeat, the governor promised to remain the champion of a ''reasonable, common-sense safe-storage law.''
We hope so. We also hope he's more aggressive the next time he tries to enact such legislation. Maybe then he'll have more success.
------------------
The New World Order has a Third Reich odor.