Bill Peirce Answers OFCC Survey

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Published on Wednesday, 30 November -0001 00:00

Written by Daniel White

Ohio gubernatorial candidate for the Libertarian ticket, Bill Peirce, is the latest candidate to respond to the Ohioans For Concealed Carry Gubernatorial Survey.

The survey was created by OFCC and sent to all gubernatorial candidates for the 2006 election so that their views on firearms and the second amendment could be made clear to Ohio voters.

As is common with Libertarian candidates, Mr. Peirce demonstrates unwavering support of the second amendment.

"Assault weapon" is a cosmetic category, not a functional one. Most important, registration is often the prelude to confiscation, and taking weapons from law-abiding people does not reduce violent crime.

(Click 'READ MORE' to read all of his answers...)

1. Article 1, section 4 of the Ohio Constitution reads, “The people have the right to bear arms for their defense and security; but standing armies, in time of peace, are dangerous to liberty, and shall not be kept up; and the military shall be in strict subordination to the civil power.” How do you think that applies to the ability of Ohio citizens to own firearms in this day and age?

The clear statement of the individual’s right to bear arms in the Ohio Constitution is more important than ever today in helping us resist the many efforts to take away that right.

2. In January of 2004, the Ohio legislature passed Amended Substitute H.B. 12, providing for a concealed handgun license for Ohio citizens. If you had been governor at the time, would you have signed that legislation into law? Please provide a brief explanation.

Yes. Although that bill was unnecessarily restrictive, it was a good first step.

3. “Statewide preemption” is a concept that is currently being considered in the Ohio legislature. Do you feel that firearms laws are best managed at the state level, or that individual communities have the right under “home rule” to determine for themselves what laws and restrictions are best suited to their citizens?

Local governments have no rights. They have powers granted by the state. Only individuals have rights. The state should never allow local governments to interfere with the rights of citizens.

4. Do you feel that the “plain sight” requirement for carrying a firearm in a motor vehicle under the provision of a concealed handgun license is an unnecessary restriction, or that it contributes to the safety of law enforcement officers?

Something must be done to simplify the procedures so that CCW license holders do not become violators of the law on a minor technicality.

5. The City of Columbus recently passed an “Assault Weapons Ban” in the wake of the expiration of the Federal ban. Do you feel that such legislation helps to reduce violent crime?

"Assault weapon" is a cosmetic category, not a functional one. Most important, registration is often the prelude to confiscation, and taking weapons from law-abiding people does not reduce violent crime.

6. Florida recently passed, and Michigan is currently considering, legislation removing the duty to retreat from a self-defense situation and allowing any citizen to stand his/her ground if attacked in a place he/she has a legal right to be. Would you support or oppose similar legislation if it was introduced in Ohio.

I support legislation that confirms that individuals have the right to defend themselves and their homes.

7. Do you feel that the government should disarm citizens in times of emergency as was done in New Orleans?

It is a terrible mistake to disarm honest citizens, especially in an emergency when law enforcement breaks down or is stretched thin.

8. We believe education is true prevention. States such as Florida have adopted legislation mandating statewide education of youngsters using the NRA's "Eddie Eagle" program. This program teaches children who come across a gun to "STOP! Don't Touch! Leave the Area! Tell an Adult!" and never users images of guns in its material. Ohio has approved minimal funding for this program in the past, but never implemented it as a mandatory safety precaution. Would you support or oppose legislation to mandate this training in classrooms statewide at an age when we teach children to "Stop, Drop, Roll!"?

I would endorse and encourage the use of the NRA’s Eddie Eagle program in the schools, but I do not support further mandates on the schools, even for such good causes.

9. Current law allows for any bona fide journalist to obtain the list of concealed handgun licensees in Ohio. Do you feel that this is an invasion of privacy or an important oversight function?

Publication of lists of Concealed Handgun License holders is an invasion of privacy.

10. Do you feel that “gun free zones,” locations where firearms are prohibited even with a concealed handgun license, are important for safety and should be expanded or are unnecessary restrictions and should be reduced? Please provide examples for expansion or reduction.

I believe that private property owners can set the rules for their own property. However, the deterrent value of concealed weapons is diminished by the patchwork of restrictions and "gun free zones" that make concealed carry impractical for many people in their daily lives. Accordingly, I believe that government should minimize such mandates.

11. Ohio law does not allow anyone other than on-duty law enforcement officers to carry a firearm into any establishment in which alcohol is being dispensed under a class D license. Would you, as governor, support or oppose legislation allowing concealed handgun licensees to carry a firearm in those premises, provided the licensee was not under the influence of an alcoholic substance, and was not consuming alcoholic beverages?

The individual who is not under the influence and not consuming should not be restricted.

12. Ohio is a melting pot of cultures. Many Ohio residents are classified as “resident aliens” who live in this country legally, but have chosen for one reason or another not to seek citizenship. These “non US Citizens” are permitted to purchase and own firearms, and regularly pass the National Instant Check System (NICS) when purchasing a firearm. Would you support or oppose legislation prohibiting non-US Citizens from obtaining concealed handgun licenses in the State of Ohio?

Non-citizens who are legally in Ohio and otherwise qualified should be allowed the protection of a concealed weapon.

13. Do you have any statements you would like to add to clarify your position?

The U.S. and Ohio Constitutions specify that the natural rights of people include the right to bear arms. The objective of the law should be to facilitate, not to restrict, the exercise of that right by law-abiding citizens.

This story may be reprinted partially or in its entirety if Ohioans For Concealed Carry is clearly credited as its source and a link or reference to www.OhioCCW.org is included in the reprint.

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