Stop the fearmongering on guns

In a Dec. 31 guest column (”Locked and loaded – and inviting disaster”), Matthew P. Moriarty called the Ohio legislature “gun-crazy” for proposing to make concealed-carry licensing optional. But his arguments parrot the same alarmist talking points we’ve been hearing for 20 years whenever there’s a bill to allow law-abiding gun owners a little more freedom. His most egregious claim was that, “Criminals might be able to carry with no fear of a concealed-weapon prosecution.” That’s misleading.

Nothing in the proposed legislation would empower criminal behavior. Those who are prohibited from possessing guns would continue to be prohibited. Areas off-limits for firearms, such as school zones and posted property, would continue to be off-limits. And the standard for using lethal force in self-defense would not change.

Moriarty talks as if permitless carry is an untested idea. But in fact it’s the law in 21 states, including Ohio’s neighbors West Virginia and Kentucky. Plus, 34 states, including Ohio, already allow open carry without a license.

All of these states are doing just fine. The alarmist claims never materialize. So stop the fearmongering.

Dean Rieck, Westerville

Dean Rieck is executive director of the Buckeye Firearms Association.